​Good morning!  We’re finally here, Christmas Eve. I’m not sure about you but there’s a lot of excitement in the Timm household. We’re all going to experience Christmas in different ways but my encouragement to all of you is that regardless of the circumstances and what you will or will not be doing that you take time to reflect on Immanuel, God with US.
I’ll be taking next week off so there will be no updates until the following week.
 
 
Christmas Eve Service
I’m excited for our Christmas Eve service tonight at 7pm in our main parking lot. It’ll be a more casual time to sing some carols and reflect on the importance of the event we are remembering, the birth of Jesus, the savior of the world!  I hope you’ll join us.
 
 
Join us on Sunday
Join us on our livestream on Sunday as I continue to look at Immanuel: God with us.  I’ll be looking again at the idea of celebration but this time from a different perspective and with very different results.
We’ll also be celebrating communion so I’d encourage you to have some elements handy as it’ll be done at the beginning of the service.
I hope to ‘see’ you on Sunday!
 
 
Merry Christmas!
I’ve been talking a lot lately about how different Christmas will be this year yet many things have not changed, as I’ve experienced over the course of the month leading up to tomorrow.  This has been a pretty hard year for all of us and I think this year, perhaps more than ever, I’ve needed the hope that the Christmas message brings. I’ve found a quiet calm around it as I’ve reflected and experienced the season. So, I hope that you will have a very merry, joy-filled Christmas!
I look forward to seeing you again in the New Year, because we will see each other again at some point! 
 
 
Thought for the day:  On Christmas Day, come as a child
Christmas morning is probably my favorite day of the year. While I love getting presents the thing that has been the most special to me for years is watching the reactions of my children.  The joy and excitement is something I can’t describe.  Author Erma Bombeck said: "There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."
We are to be childlike as we come to God on Christmas Day, as we remember and reflect upon Immanuel, God with us and that speaks to our attitude.  Jesus said in Matthew 18: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
 
I don’t think there’s anything more exciting than being a child on Christmas morning. And yet this is what God asks of us not just on Christmas Day but each day, to change and become like little children, to put our hope and trust in him and enjoy the wonder of what he offers us. Each day approach God the Father as a child, with excited anticipation of his goodness. Humbly trust that your every need will be met and every care will be under his control.  May your Christmas Day tomorrow be filled with the wonder of the Lord.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning! The carol sing on Sunday was just AMAZING! I really enjoyed the event and the opportunity to gather and sing together. What made it more special was we had several guests with us who’d been invited by others and even a couple from the neighborhood who received one of our post card invitations. What a blessing!
I’m not going to comment too much on the coming lockdown right now, I’d rather focus on Christmas. There’ll be time to reflect on this later. I will say though we’ve been through this before, God moved amazingly and he will again. May the joy of Immanuel fill you to overflowing!
 
 
Christmas Eve service is on!
We have the opportunity to gather again on Christmas Eve outside in our main parking lot for an informal service of carols and an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the savior of the world!
The service starts at 7pm and will be held in our main parking lot.  It’ll last for about 45 minutes. I hope you can join us as we celebrate Christmas!
 
 
Join in Communion on Sunday
Though we will not be gathering in person on Sunday we’ll still be having a time of communion as part of our livestream service as we continue to celebrate Christmas. I would encourage you to prepare your hearts to commune with the Lord. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that when we take communion “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”  This is a great thing to remember: not only did Jesus come but he is coming back and when he does, everything changes.   We’ll be remembering that on Sunday. I hope you’ll celebrate with us.
 
 
Thought for the day: God can do the impossible, Christmas proves that
I read recently a great quote: "When God intends to make something wonderful he begins with a difficulty. When he intends to make something very wonderful, he begins with an impossibility." That’s so true!  And this truth is found in all its glory in the Christmas story.  The Bible affirms this truth when we read in Ephesians 3: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” The verse ends with a hearty AMEN!.
 
This is the heart of the Christmas story- that God Can Do the Impossible for You. 
 
The birth of Jesus was not just a difficulty; it was an impossibility. Mary was a virgin. Only God could breathe life into her womb. And just as God caused her to conceive the perfect, sinless Savior -- fully God, fully human -- he can accomplish through you, those things that seem impossible in your life.  For this Christmas, Christmas 2020, perhaps we need this reminder more than ever.  A God who did the impossible is on our side, he loved us so much that the Word (God) became flesh. That’s why we celebrate Immanuel, God with US.  It doesn’t matter what the color is, we can celebrate this!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon!  I hope you’re making this a great week!  I’m not sure about you but I find myself listening to Christmas music and even humming songs a lot lately as I go about my sometimes hectic schedule.  Music really does make the season better! I’m looking forward to our carol sing on Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve.  I hope you’ll be part of it!
  
 
Christmas Carol Sing Update
We’re fast approaching our big event on Sunday!  I’m excited to have the chance to sing songs of the season. Here’s some things that’ll help you prepare:
 
Parking- half of our main lot will be closed off for the event so if there are no more spots there use the side lot or park on the street.  The city of Guelph has kindly given us a parking exemption for the night.  Thanks Bob Chapman for arranging this.
 
RSVP reminder- if you’re coming, please let me know how many are coming so we can be sure we don’t go over our gathering limit. Call the office or email me at [email protected]
 
Other Details…I’d encourage you to bring a friend, especially if they don’t know Jesus or if maybe they’ve drifted away from him.  This is a great opportunity to introduce someone to the ‘reason for the season’.
If you’d like to sit, bring a lawn chair as there’ll be no seating.  There’ll be hot chocolate and cider as well to enjoy. It’s going to be a fun night!
 
 
Help us with our roof!
A couple weeks ago I shared with you a new capital project we’re undertaking here at GBC in order to replace our roof. IT’s a BIG and expensive project but one that we really need to do.  I want to say an even BIGGER thanks to those of you who’ve already supported this effort. Working together, we can take care of this project and not have to incur any debt for the church.
Here are the details again for your consideration.
 
 
Thought for the day: Immanuel mean God is with US
On Sunday I looked more in depth at the name Immanuel and what that means for the Christmas story.  When the angel said to Joseph: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us.'" This had implications for not just Joseph but for us as well.
I like how singer Michael Card put it: "The implications of the name 'Immanuel' are both comforting and unsettling. Comforting, because He has come to share the danger as well as the drudgery of our everyday lives. He desires to weep with us and to wipe away our tears. And what seems most bizarre, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, longs to share in and to be the source of the laughter and the joy we all too rarely know."
Why do we turn to God so quickly in times of sorrow and struggle, in danger and fear, and forget him in the times of joy and rejoicing? If God is the giver of joy and he is "God with us," then he must want to share in those moments of great joy, and even in those times of silly laughter and fun.  God does that, really? Yes, he does. He wants to share in our joy too, that’s another meaning of God with us. This Christmas, and yes, even this Covid-Christmas, when those inevitable moments of joy and laughter break out, be sure to invite God in to share it with you because at Christmas, how can you not?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  It was great to be part of the service on Sunday. I really enjoyed the components of the kids and youth as well.  What a blessing!  That’s the cool thing about God, no matter what, there’s always blessings out there if you look for them.
We’re full swing into our Christmas season now.  Next up is our community Christmas carol sing on Sunday. Details are below. I also want to confirm that we’ll be doing an outdoor Christmas Eve service at 6:30pm-another chance to sing songs of the season!  More details will come out as we get closer.
 
 
Community Carol Sing
Our community carol sing is Sunday night!  It’ll be nice to gather outside and have the opportunity to sing some songs of the season. I’d encourage you to invite someone to come with you as this is a great opportunity to introduce people to GBC through this Christmas event.
Because we want to be sure we don’t exceed the gathering limits for the county I’m asking that you PLEASE RSVP that you’re coming along with the number attending.  You can call the church office or else email me at [email protected]
More details will be coming out on Thursday but as reminder, this will start at 6:30pm in the main parking lot and go for about an hour.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: The Greatest Christmas Gift
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? I can think of lots over the years that have been very special to me and even today I remember with a smile. I also reflect a lot at this time of year about the gift of salvation that Jennifer and I received one December many years ago. It was there, for the first time, I understood my need for a Savior. In many ways this is the heart of Christmas: not the tree, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.  But there’s a big difference between Adam’s sin that led to all our problems in the world (yes, even Covid) and God’s gracious gift of Jesus. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ who we were reminded of Sunday was fully God and fully man.  The Bible tells us: for Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s gift leads to our being made right with God; for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
So, this Christmas, lets remember that Jesus is the greatest gift!
Each year we are reminded that Christmas isn't just about giving and receiving presents. Yet, if we honestly consider the heart of Christmas, it is.  If we really think about it, the gift of Jesus is one given that needs to be received.  May this spur all our other activities on. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given, by the greatest gift-giver of all, our wonderful God and Father.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning! I hope you’re making this a great week.  I’ve been reminded as I re-read the Christmas story of how unifying this message is- that a savior has been born for everyone!  We live in a time where it seems like it’s becoming easier to separate into our own little groups but the message of Jesus is for ALL people and is one that brings us together. So, no matter what we think about the issues of the day, and where we stand, let us all join together in unity in what brings us together- Jesus!
 
 
Join us on Sunday!
This Sunday is our annual kids and youth Christmas program.  It’s always one of my favorite Sunday’s of the year and while its going to look a lot different than year’s past I still think it will bring a very powerful (and needed) message about light in the dark.  I’ll be continuing our series on Immanuel: God with us and am excited to share with you the meaning and importance of that word.
 
 
Update from the Elders
We continue to work on the areas God has called us to focus on: prayer, outreach, small groups and our Sunday morning experience, but beyond that we’ve continue to work on the overall direction, management and care of the GBC family during the Covid pandemic.  Patrick, Dan, Jacob and I get together every Tuesday morning to pray and we pray for this church regularly. We are blessed to have a dedicated group of leaders as elders and I’d like to thank them for their sacrificial love and service to all of us.  I’d encourage you to thank them too when you get the chance!
 
 
Thought for the day:  Christmas- a message worth sharing
Remembering the story of Jesus’ birth is a wonderful part of Christmas. It may be hard to believe that in 2020 so many people have never heard it before! Or if they have, they don’t understand what it has to do with them. The Christmas story has been lost in the shuffle of everything else going on this time of year. And even for those who know the basics of the story, many have no clue as to why Jesus came to earth or why He was born.
Everyone needs to know, not only that He was born, but the meaning of His birth, we’d probably all agree. So, ‘what is my part?’, I hope you ask! This is likely the easiest time of year to talk about the Good News of Jesus birth, life and importance.  While you can’t predict who is open to the gospel, my bet is at this time of year everyone is aware of it. This is a great door-opener!  And hey, the only way to find out is to share the message of Jesus with them!
So, this Christmas, I’d encourage you to share the gospel story of the birth of Jesus and what it means. Sow seeds abundantly.
When the angels appeared to the shepherds nearly two thousand years ago just outside of Bethlehem they shared this message:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Who can you share this same message with this Christmas?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris 

​Good morning everyone. I missed you all Sunday, either live or online.  I had another procedure for my skin cancer last week and that pretty much knocked me out. I was treated with something called Photo Dynamic Therapy which is a newer intervention to Canada. I won’t go into all the gory details but this was an opportunity to be proactive with this issue which I was very glad for.  I’m still in recovery mode so would appreciate you praying for me if you would!
 
 
Community Outreach Event
As was announced on Sunday, the Outreach Team that I lead is holding a community Christmas carol sing.  We’ll be doing it on Sunday December 20 at 6:30pm in the side parking lot.  We’ll sing some of the favorites of the season plus having some hot drinks. It should be fun!  This is of course dependent on weather and also Covid restrictions.
This would be a great opportunity to invite family, friends, neighbors or someone from work because if they’re like me, they’d love the opportunity to do something active this Christmas.
As we get closer we’ll be having an RSVP sign up to ensure we don’t exceed community gathering limits.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: At Christmas, it’s go, not come!
One of my favorite Christmas carols is ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’. That invitation to the messiah, the savior to the world, is a cry from the heart.  But he HAS come (and is coming again!) so now that means we’re to GO!
The tendency during the Christmas season is to focus on inviting people to come, rather than going to them. We plan events and parties, inviting people to come to them. And often they do come (well, other than this year, anyways!). More people attend church at Christmas than any other time of the year. These events have an impact, no doubt. After Christmas though, many never return.
We invite people to programs. That’s great, but that’s not the same as making disciples. Could Christmas become more about disciple-making and not only about inviting people to church?
As I’ve been trying to purposefully think with more of an outreach mindset a few thoughts have come to mind:
What would happen if instead of putting our energy into big Christmas programs(again, can’t do that this year!), we learned how to share the Christmas story with people around us?
 
What if we then go and share it with our friends, neighbors, and relatives? What if we went even further and offered to do a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) with them, instead of just inviting them to something like our carol sing (Which is still an amazing idea, by the way!).  I know…I know…I’m getting carried away…but what if?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good evening!  I know this is late, but you know what they say, better late than never!  I hope you’ve been making this a great week and starting to experience some Christmas cheer perhaps.  Below I start to share some thoughts related to the Christmas season. Would you expect anything else (especially from me)?  But they’re different from what you might expect!
 
 
Join us on Sunday
This Sunday Patrick will be kicking off the Christmas season for us. He’ll be starting our special series, Immanuel, God with us.  He’ll be looking at some of the prophetic accounts pointing to Jesus arrival and the Christmas story. Join us and find out why this is so important with everything we’re facing. You can join us here at 11am or by tuning in on our livestream.
Here’s a quick reminder: you don’t need a Facebook account to join us.  You can connect direct by clicking on LIVE or else you can link to it through our website. Here’s a link to join in:
https://www.guelphbiblechapel.ca/sunday.html
 
 
Thought for the day: What Does the Great Commission Have to Do With Christmas?
Wait a minute, what are you talking about, Chris? Does the Great Commission fit with the Christmas story?  It does!  We’ve been talking about this a bit over the fall: our desire as a church to follow the Great Commission Jesus gave us to go and make disciples.  Maybe we can set it aside for awhile as we focus on the birth of Jesus, the wise men, angels, Mary and Joseph. Or maybe not. Could it be that the Great Commission is actually a vital part of the Christmas story?
Jesus’ birth was His greatest missionary act the world has seen. He came to us. God entered our world. He left Heaven to become one of us.  John 1 says: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 
The theological word for this is incarnation. That simply means God became a human. That is what happened at Jesus’ birth – on Christmas.  What does this mean? Well, that incarnation is what Christmas is all about!
The message of the season is a missionary one! Jesus modeled what He would later command His disciples to do, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” His coming to earth was the “Go” part.
One of the best ways we can celebrate Christmas is to do as He did. Following His example, we enter the lives of those who don’t know Him. We eat their food, hang out with them, learn their ways of life, beginning to understand (and even experience) their challenges. We demonstrate His Presence there. God, in us, shows up in their world. We call this being incarnational. It is what Christmas is all about.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning!  Welcome to December! It sure is a winter wonderland out there today. Sunday was a blessed service.  The time of communion was great and the outreach workshop was well-attended with people interested in sharing their faith.  So, all in all, a great day.
Not so great is what I’m hearing in the media these days. There’s a lot of talk about Christmas being ‘different’ or even that ‘Christmas is cancelled’.  I LOVE Christmas (my office is already decorated!) so this kind of talk can be very discouraging. Then I remember that while Christmas may be ‘different’, the MESSAGE of Christmas never changes- God sent his son Jesus to dwell among us to bring peace on earth. That message has survived wars, other pandemics and even neglect. Still, perhaps this year we need this message more than ever.  That’s so like God. Welcome to the Christmas season!
 
 
Help us with our roof!
Today is called Giving Tuesday. I want to thank those of you who have faithfully supported GBC financially this past year and especially during the pandemic.  It has been SUCH an encouragement to me.
I do want to share with you a financial need we have.  Our roof is in (near) desperate need of replacing. We held off on the replacement this year due to the pandemic but we’d like to do it as soon as we can in the spring.  Would you be able to help us with a special, year-end gift to offset the cost?  Attached is a letter that goes over our need and how you can help. 
Thanks again for allowing us to continue to share the light of the Gospel through your giving!
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: Focus on the positive
Like the faithful people of old, we should focus beyond this fearful world on the positive future God has in store. We can also meditate on and appreciate the comfort and peace God gives now.
Paul directed our thinking toward the positive in Philippians 4: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Later in the scriptures he reminded us to rejoice always and gives thanks in everything.
We’ve been looking at fear and on Thursday we’ll begin to focus on Christmas so remember this: perfect love casts out fear.  As a result, fear is conquered. John summed up the ultimate goal this way: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”.
We can go to God with our fears. We can seek more of His Spirit. We can grow in faith in His ability to defeat anything that threatens us. We can find comfort and security in His loving care.  The fear and loathing of this age will be replaced with love and rejoicing forevermore.  What a great thought to formally kick off the Christmas season!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris