​Merry Christmas! I hope you’re making this a great week.  There will be no update on Boxing Day Tuesday so look for the next one on Thursday.
There’s LOTS going on this time of year and its easy to get stressed so please remember to take a breath, count your blessings and engage with the joy of the season.
From my family and I, I pray you have a blessed and happy Christmas. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
 
 
Community Carol Sing tomorrow night
Our community Christmas carol event is being held tomorrow night in our main parking lot. I would encourage you to park in the west parking lot if able to save spots in the main lot for guests or those who are able as ambulatory.
Weather looks pretty good for the night but if that changes and its not nice out we’ll move inside.
Come and join us, invite a friend or neighbor, and let’s lift our voices in song!
 
 
Christmas at GBC
As a reminder, here are our key Christmas timings and events:
Friday December 22- 7:00pm-  Community Christmas Carol sing in the parking lot- invites friends, family and neighbors
 
Sunday December 24-10:30am- Our Christmas themed service with seasonal music and relevant message for today
 
Sunday December 24- 6:00pm- Family Christmas Eve Service featuring carols, readings and a topical devotion. Come early for hot apple cider and a chance to connect with your church family!
 
The church office will be closed from Dec 21st to January 3rd but you can still reach Pastor Dan for any emergencies at [email protected]
 
 
Year End Financial Update
On behalf of the Elders and GBC's Treasurer I want to express our appreciation for your faithful financial support throughout 2023.  Because of your tithes and offerings, we were able to fund the local ministries of GBC along with those of our global missions partners.  We met our target for the pastor transition fund and were also excited to make investments in areas such as our music and worship ministry as we invited Jamie Iles to join us as part-time Director of Music starting last summer.  We praise the Lord for His gracious provision!
 
We are very close to meeting our overall budget requirements for the year, but anticipate that we may fall short by about $5,000.  Please consider making a special contribution before December 31 to enable us to finish out the year in a strong position.  If you consider GBC to be your church home but are not yet regularly contributing towards the financial needs of the church, we invite you to stand with us in this way.   E-transfers can be made to [email protected] or you can request a pre-authorized debit form from our Administrative Coordinator at [email protected] for convenient monthly withdrawals.   
 
 
"You are to give him the name Jesus"...Redemption has come. Join us Sunday
We continue our closer look at the Christmas story. We will be looking at the prophecies telling of a coming savior and then the event itself with the idea of better understanding what this means for us as we prepare for Christmas and celebrate that redemption has come.
As a reminder, there is no 9 45am pre-service prayer for this Sundays or next.
 
I will be looking again at the Christmas story itself from Matthew’s gospel this time focusing on the visit of the Wise Men and the idea of worshipping Jesus. It may seem straight forward but there are implications for today. What are they? Find out Sunday!
If you want to prepare, please read Matthew 2:1-18. 
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:  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.  Merry Christmas!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning. I don’t about you, but I was blessed by our Christmas choir Sunday. Thanks so much to Jamie for his vision and leadership to put this together.  We have much to be thankful for here and at this time of season.
 
Christmas at GBC
While everything we are doing around Christmas has been announced and is on the calendar, I thought it would be good to put it all together in one place.  May we all engage in the joy of the season!
Friday December 22- 7:00pm-  Community Christmas Carol sing in the parking lot- invites friends, family and neighbors
 
Sunday December 24-10:30am- Our Christmas themed service with our choir singing and relevant message for the season
 
Sunday December 24- 6:00pm- Family Christmas Eve Service featuring carols, readings and a topical devotion. Come early for hot apple cider and a chance to connect with your church family!
 
The church office will be closed from Dec 21st to January 3rd but you can still reach Pastor Dan for any emergencies at [email protected]
 
 No Preservice Prayer December 24 and 31
We won't be meeting early for prayer (pre-service prayer) on Christmas or New Year's Eve.  So no 9 45 prayer for the next two Sundays.
  
Giving at GBC
With the New Year approaching, If you would like a box of pre-numbered weekly offering envelopes, please let Andrea Thornton know by emailing  [email protected]
As always, you can give electronically through EFT to [email protected]
Thank you to all who have supported us financially the past year. Your giving is greatly appreciated.
 
 Men at GBC:  Study possibility
There's a small number of men hoping to create an online group for mutual encouragement and exhortation as we run the race of faith. This might lead to the odd study in the future. If this is of interest to you, please write pastor Dan and ask for more info ([email protected]).
 
 Thought for the day: God can do the impossible, Christmas proves that
I read a great quote recently: "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 2023, 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 Christmas because Immanuel, God, is with US.  It doesn’t matter whether we have snow or not, what the inflation rate is or who is in office, we can celebrate this and find hope!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  Lots going on as we move closer to Christmas.  I’m excited to see our Christmas choir perform this Sunday for the first time.  They’ve been working hard under Jamie’s leadership so it should be a special morning.
 
 
Last chance to contribute to our food mountain
Our mountain of food in support of Royal City Mission continues to grow!  If you’d like to contribute, your last chance is this coming Sunday.  Thanks to Helen and the Care Ministry team for leading this.
 
 
Christmas at GBC
While everything we are doing around Christmas has been announced and is on the calendar, I thought it would be good to put it all together in one place.  May we all engage in the joy of the season!
Friday December 22- 7:00pm-  Community Christmas Carol sing in the parking lot- invites friends, family and neighbors
 
Sunday December 24-10:30am- Our Christmas themed service with our choir singing and relevant message for the season
 
Sunday December 24- 6:00pm- Family Christmas Eve Service featuring carols, readings and a topical devotion. Come early for hot apple cider and a chance to connect with your church family!
 
The church office will be closed from Dec 21st to January 3rd but you can still reach Pastor Dan for any emergencies at [email protected]
 
 
Updating the church directory
Come to church this Sunday prepared to have your photo taken if you didn’t last week as we update our online church directory. We would be happy to send to you a digital copy of the photo for your own personal use if you would like, make sure to let our tech assistant know the email address you would like it sent after your photo is taken.
 
 
"You are to give him the name Jesus"...Redemption has come. Join us Sunday
We continue our closer look at the Christmas story. We will be looking at the prophecies telling of a coming savior and then the event itself with the idea of better understanding what this means for us as we prepare for Christmas and celebrate that redemption has come.
As I mentioned above, this is also a special Sunday as our Christmas choir will be performing.
Pastor Dan will begin to look at the Christmas story itself from Matthew’s gospel and its implications for today.
If you want to prepare, please read Matthew 1:18-24. 
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: Immanuel means God is with US
Immanuel. I talked a bit about 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, quoting Isaiah 7, 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 impacted by inflation, war, illness and such, 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!  Sunday’s service was such a joy for me (in keeping with the theme!). Thanks so much to all who made it a special morning- to Jennifer and Kid’s Church team, to Esther and the youth team, Linda and the hospitality team, Caroline and the youth music team and Dan C and the tech team. You are SUCH a blessing to me and to our church. Thanks for letting your lights shine!
 
 
Help our Community Christmas Carol sing community outreach
We need some people to deliver post cards this week and weekend in the neighborhood to invite people to our community Christmas carol event on the 22nd. If you have some time, would like to get some exercise and would like to help out, please let me know.
 
 
Winter Precept Bible Study classes available
Here are the upcoming Precept classes that have openings for the winter term:
DANIEL - God's Blueprint for Bible Prophecy
(NISS - 15-30 minutes of homework each day) Orientation plus 13 week study
Though you don’t know what tomorrow holds, you do know who holds tomorrow. Strengthen your faith in a steadfast God through this study of Daniel.
Orientation Monday January 15, 2024, 7:00 p.m., in-person with Ann Clark
1. If you have not already, register by email at [email protected]
2. Workbooks will be provided for purchase in class - $15.00

HEBREWS PART 3 - Jesus, The Author and Perfecter Of Our Faith (Chapters 11-13)
Precept Upon Precept or In & Out (NASB) - You are able to join even if you have not attended part 1 and 2 - Orientation plus 6 week study
Without faith it is impossible to please God. So what is faith? Where do I get it? And what does it look like lived out in my life? This study will answer these questions and more.
Orientation Thursday January 18, 2024, 9:30 a.m., in-person with Ann Clark
1. If you have not already, register by email at [email protected], indicating PUP or In & Out as your workbook choice
2. Workbooks will be provided for purchase in class - $17 Precept Upon Precept, $15 In & Out (less homework)
 
Register by replying to this email by December 29, 2023 to ensure you will have a workbook.
 
 
Thought for the day: The Greatest Christmas Gift
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? I spoke about one on Sunday but 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 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 morning. I hope you’re making this a great week. As we get closer to Christmas there’s lots going on as you’ll see below.  May the Lord be with you as you go through the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the season. May you experience the joy of the season.
 
 
Sunday is our annual Kid’s Church and Youth Group Christmas Presentation and lunch
Our always-popular Christmas service featuring our Kid’s Church and Youth Group is this Sunday.  Friends and family are heartily invited to come out and join in this look at Christmas through some different perspectives.
Also, back is the post-event lunch.  Enjoy the presentations and message for the morning then stay and enjoy lunch as we build community.
I will be building off the presentations as I speak about the joy of waiting. If you’d like to prepare, you can read either Christmas accounts in Matthew or Luke.
If you can’t make it, you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
‘Plan to Protect’ training on Saturday
This is a reminder for our Plan to Protect training this coming Saturday, December 9th, from 9-11:30 am (light breakfast available at 8:30). All kids' ministry volunteers are required to complete this training. If you volunteer with minors at GBC in our nursery, kids', Oasis camp or youth ministries, we'd encourage you to make it a priority to attend, please.    
 
 
Updating the church directory
Come to church this Sunday prepared to have your photo taken as we update our online church directory. We would be happy to send to you a digital copy of the photo for your own personal use if you would like, make sure to let our tech assistant know the email address you would like it sent after your photo is taken. We will also be taking pictures next Sunday, the 17th, as well if you miss this one.  Thanks all!
 
 
Help our Community Christmas Carol sing community outreach
We need some people to deliver post cards late next week in the neighborhood, over the weekend and early the week following. If you have some time, would like to get some exercise and would like to help out, please let me know.
 
 
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 2023 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.  We’re into December and Christmas season is here. As most of you know, I LOVE Christmas time.  My office is decorated, I’m listening to Christmas music, I go full in. But Christmas really changed for me when I became a follower of Jesus. I still enjoy all the fun elements of the season but now I can pause, remember and celebrate the coming of Immanuel, God with us, my savior and your savior. With all the distractions and busyness of this time of year, find time to pause, remember and celebrate.


Oasis@Midweek tomorrow
Our popular children's ministry event Oasis@Midweek happens tomorrow night. This will be our last one for the year.
Kids JK to grade 6 are 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 is 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.


Announcing our Community Carol Sing
On Friday December 22 at 7pm, please join us for our community Christmas carol sing. We’ll be singing seasonal favorites under the stars (hopefully!).  Please mark the date and think about who you can invite to come with you.  There will be an opportunity to distribute some post card invitations as well coming up. Please pray that we’d have many from the neighborhood and community join us as we lift our voices in praise.


Thought for the day: At Christmas, it’s go, not  just come!
Not surprising, I will be sharing Christmas-related thoughts for the rest of the year.  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 we find in this message a call to go, as in go out and share this good news.
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, or program on Sunday. 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?
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 a study or something similar with them?  I know…I know…I’m getting carried away…but what if?

In His grip,
Pastor Chris