Good morning!  I hope you’re making this a great week.  Excitement mounts in the Timm house for the coming big day. I hope you have a sense of anticipation too.  Before then though, please join us for our Christmas Eve service tomorrow night at 6:30pm.
 
 
No Updates Next Week
There will be no update next week as I’m taking it off for holidays
 
 
Christmas Eve @ GBC -Four Mysteries of the Incarnation
Friday, December 24 at 6:30 p.m…In person and livestreamed
 
We look forward to seeing you on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service where we consider Four Mysteries of the Incarnation.  
Members of the GBC family will share readings which focus our attention on the Christ child:
- Eternal God yet temporal human
- Infinite yet limited to a human body
- All-knowing yet needing to learn
- All-powerful yet a helpless infant
We will worship through carols, led by gifted guest pianist Jamie Iles. We will also celebrate communion as we remember the ultimate purpose for Christ's coming into the world.
This is an incredible opportunity to invite friends and family to join with us as we gather together to reflect on the reason for the season.  See you on Christmas Eve!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream for our Christmas series-Faithful
This Sunday at 11am we continue our Christmas series: “Faithful”.  I will be looking at the key player in the Nativity, the one we’ve talked around but not really about- Jesus! I’ll be looking at Jesus as Immanuel, God with us and wrapping up our Christmas series.
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the Day: Reflections on Christmas
There are a lot of things to distract us right now and then we throw in Omicron and all the noise and disruption it’s causing. It would be easy to despair or want to get in bed and not get out.
Yet that would be a mistake.
As we’ve been looking at Sundays in our series “Faithful”, we follow a faithful God who showed how he loved us by sending his son. Immanuel, God with us, came that night in Bethlehem. As the angels shared with the shepherds: “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.” 
Did the shepherds have their problems? Absolutely. They didn’t shrug it off, they went to see the Christ child and they rejoiced then spread the word of what had happened. In many ways I think this can be our template at Christmas time, especially this year. We too have received this message, through the scriptures.  So, let’s not shrug it off and hunker down but may we gaze into the nativity, be inspired and encouraged by the examples of faithful servants like these shepherds, plus Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men and may we rejoice as well. Then, lets share the Good News with our world and perhaps we will see the same transformation, given time, that the night we celebrate in two days kicked off.
So, from my family and from me, have a very Happy Christmas and blessed New Year, not matter what it holds. I can’t wait for it!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning!  Sunday was such an amazing day!  The Kid’s Church Christmas Program was great and the carol sing that night saw a large turnout from the community. Praise God for His many blessings.
  
Join us for our Christmas Eve service
Please plan to join us this Christmas Eve at 6:30 p.m. for our candlelight service as we reflect on Four Mysteries of the Incarnation.  We will be joined by special guest musician and gifted pianist Jamie Iles as we worship through song, scripture, readings, prayer and communion.  This service is a highlight of the Christmas season and is an opportunity for us to centre our thoughts on Emmanuel, God with Us.  We hope to see you this Friday, at 6:30 p.m.
This service will also be livestreamed for those unable to make it out.  You can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 Opportunity for Baptism
We will be hosting our next opportunity for believer baptism by immersion on Sunday January 9.  Baptism is an important step in the growth of the believer and one of two ordinances of the church, the other being communion.  We do it as a public act so the believer can give testimony of what God has done for them and also so we as a church family can celebrate.
Are you interested or do you have any questions?  See Pastor Chris for details or to sign up.
  
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. 
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon! Thanks to those who distributed postcard invitations around the church on Sunday for our Christmas Carol sing event.  It’s going to be a great event!
 Good afternoon! Thanks to those who distributed postcard invitations around the church on Sunday for our Christmas Carol sing event.  It’s going to be a great event!
 
Christmas Eve Service
On Christmas Eve, at 6:30pm, join us for a special candlelit service of reflection on Immanuel, God with us.   Enjoy some hot apple cider, carols and readings as we mark the night of our Savior’s birth.
 
 
Opportunity for Baptism
We will be hosting our next opportunity for believer baptism by immersion on Sunday January 9.  Baptism is an important step in the growth of the believer and one of two ordinances of the church, the other being communion.  We do it as a public act so the believer can give testimony of what God has done for them and also so we as a church family can celebrate.
Are you interested or do you have any questions?  See Pastor Chris for details or to sign up.
 
 
Community Carol Sing Update
This Sunday December 19 at 7pm, please join us for our second (annual perhaps?) community Christmas carol sing. We’ll be singing seasonal favorites under the stars (hopefully!).  We’ve distributed most of our postcards but its still not too late to invite someone to come with you.  Please pray this week that we’d have many from the neighborhood and community join us as we lift our voices in praise.
 
 
Thought for the day: Immanuel means God is with US
Immanuel. I mentioned the word on Sunday and its often heard at this time of year. But what does this unusual word mean 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 may seem 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 when its another Covid-impacted 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!  I hope you’re making this a great week.  Lots to share today, not surprising really at this time of year!  While lots is going on there’s a temptation to over-program ourselves. Be sure to unplug and spend some time in reflection and wonder at the nativity and what it means for us and our future.
 
 Prayer on Sundays (November 28th to December 19th)  
For the next two Sundays, we are inviting you to join with GBC leadership in prayer for 30 minutes after the service in the Adult Ministry Room on the first floor.  The prayer will focus on items relating to the transition of Pastor Chris (e.g., the search for an associate Pastor in the coming year) and items related to highlighting our Savior Jesus during the period leading up to Christmas. 
 
 Community Carol Sing Update
As has been already shared, on Sunday December 19 at 7pm we’re having another outdoor community Christmas carol sing. As mentioned, like to invites our neighbors (and your friends too!) to join us.  We’ve begun distributing postcard invitations in the area this week. If you have some time, would like to get some exercise and would be willing to not only drop postcards in the area but pray for the neighborhood as you do it, I’d appreciate the help. Let me know if you can help out!
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream for our Christmas series-Faithful
This Sunday at 11am we continue our Christmas series: “Faithful”.  We are looking at characters involved with the nativity and what it means to be faithful as they seek to serve or understand a faithful God.  This Sunday Jacob will continue to look at this.
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 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 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 afternoon! Though no fan of snow I must confess at this time of year I do prefer snow to rain.  My village is up at home as are all our decorations, my office is decorated (pop up if you want to see it!) and all is becoming festive. All is prepared to celebrate Immanuel, God with us. Are you ready to remember the coming of the King?
 
 
“FOOD MOUNTAIN” -GBC food drive in support of Royal City Mission
We’re off to a great start!  THANKS to all who contributed already, we’re building a base and a ‘mountain’ is coming. Wait until you see what it looks like Sunday!  But there’s still more we can do, even 1 can will help.  We have two more Sundays until we finish on December 19.  As a reminder, we are doing this food drive in support of Royal City Mission. 
Here are some suggestions from RCM of what they are specifically looking for:
- Tinned tomatoes
- Anything that can go in chili (eg: black beans)
- Any tinned vegetables
Thanks to Helen Martini, the head of our Care Ministry, for again organizing this practical way to let our lights shine in the community.
 
 
 
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 2021 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’m glad you asked! 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.”  In many ways that’s still our message today. So then, who can you share this same idea with this Christmas?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris 

Good morning! I hope you’re making this a great week.  The church is decorated, my office is decorated and things look very festive. Its easy for me to get caught up in all the trappings of Christmas. I need to remember to pause in all the activities of the season and reflect on the meaning- Immanuel has come!
 
 
Community Carol Sing Update
As has been already shared, on Sunday December 19 at 7pm we’re having another outdoor community Christmas carol sing. Though we could do it inside, last year was a special night and we want to do it again. We’d also like to invites our neighbors (and your friends too!) to join us.  So, we’ll be distributing postcard invitations in the area starting next week. If you have some time, would like to get some exercise and would be willing to not only drop postcards in the area but pray for the neighborhood as you do it, I’d appreciate the help. Let me know if you can help out!
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream for our Christmas series-Faithful
This Sunday at 11am we continue our Christmas series: “Faithful”.  We are looking at characters involved with the nativity and what it means to be faithful as they seek to serve or understand a faithful God.  This Sunday Patrick will continue to look at this.
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
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. 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. So here’s where we see a need for balance in activities.
We invite people to programs, like our carol sing. That’s great, but its only the starting point.  It’s also 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 this past year a few thoughts have come to mind:
What would happen if instead of putting energy only into Christmas programs (still valuable!), we learned how to share the Christmas story with people around us as well?
If we’re honest, sometimes its easier to invite someone to come to something rather than to go to them where they’re at and stay with them on their journey.
What if we went and shared the Good News of the birth of Immanuel, God with us, with our friends, neighbors, and relatives? What if we went even further and offered to do something like a Discovery Bible Study with them, instead of just inviting them to 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