​Good afternoon!  I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful fall weather. It’s been nice watching the trees start to turn color, what a great time of year. It all comes down to perspective since those beautifully colored leaves are actually dead and yet the leaves return in the spring. Wow, that’s pretty deep for a Thursday afternoon!
 
 
Join us on Sunday!
We start our new series starting this Sunday.  We’re going to be looking at the 7 churches of Revelation and what we can learn from it for the church today. We’re also going to have a very special testimony shared of how God is working in our midst.  You want to be part of this either in our service or on our livestream.  If you follow us on Facebook (hope you do!) it would be great if you’d share a link to our service on Sunday and invite your friends to join us for some Good News!
 
 
Update from the Elders
We had our official launch of fall ministry on Sunday but a lot has been going on already.
Our youth ministry is up and running. We’ve been having our Alive Wednesday night study and one event already. Caroline Alac has been leading our study on finding your identity in God. It’s been very topical for today. It’s been nice to reconnect with some of our community kids and even have a new one join us. Please pray for this ministry that we would let our lights shine.
Precept Bible Study has started again for the fall this week.   They are doing a virtual class studying the gospel of Mark.
Our Sunday GBC Kid’s Church has been enjoying and growing through Oasis@Kid’s Church. It’s been a big success as we bring elements of our Oasis Day Camp to Sunday ministry.  If you’re curious about what’s going on check out our Facebook page or go upstairs and take a look (just be sure to physical distance if you do!).
 
 
Thought for the Day: Trust in God
I recently read a bumper sticker that said: “Every opportunity to fear is also an opportunity to trust God.”  I really like that and might even get one myself!  It’s not just a great saying but also a great truth and is something we should remember as we go through times of struggle and fear. This is an OPPORTUNITY but that also means we need to make a choice.  Every time we are afraid, we must see it as an opening to surrender everything into God’s hands.  This comes down to trust and we need to trust God.  Psalm 56 says this: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…In God I have put my trust; I WILL NOT FEAR.  What can flesh do to me?”
In most cases, when we are afraid, we are powerless.  We really can’t do anything about most things we fear. You can’t control terrorists, you can’t prevent natural disasters from destroying your city, you can’t ultimately prevent death from knocking on your door.  The book of Hebrews tell us it’s appointed for all of us to die once. 
So why should we fear?
Instead, surrender your fear to God and trust Him that He will do what is best for you. After all, God is our heavenly Father. Like a father who protects his children, so is God who will protect us from evil.  We’ll talk about this more next week.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning! It was great that so many of you stayed for our annual meeting on Sunday after our service. For those on livestream, sorry we didn’t carry it. I was encouraged by the reports, especially our financial update which shows how faithful God has been to GBC. Thank you, also, to those who’ve faithfully been supporting us financially.
I continue my thoughts below on overcoming fear.  Today we look at the comfort that comes from knowing God is with us.
 
 
Small Groups sign up
GBC’s small group ministry is starting up again!  This fall you have the opportunity to chose from a variety of options ranging from studies that will follow our sermon series, a parenting-focused group as well as Discovery Bible Study.  There will be both live and virtual options.  There’s something for everyone!
Sign up through our small group page!

 
Mission’s Report
Ilir and Kate Cami (work with refugees in Athens, Greece)
 One Heart ministry building
Refugees
 We are working to finish remodeling the One Heart ministry building.  One major step remaining is the necessary license to operate our medical offices.  In order to receive this license, we must have in place a medical director who will oversee the operation of the clinic.  Please pray God will provide the perfect individual to fill this role, that He would be preparing this person even now.
We have continued weekly medical clinics since early June.  We are grateful for a local organization which coordinates European medical professionals who donate weeks or months to serving refugees in Greece.  Please pray for wisdom as we examine patients and proceed with their care.  Current needs far exceed our financial resources and we are unable to help as many as we wish.
This past month we have seen the truth of Romans 8:28.  In mid-August, Arno and Sahar’s youngest daughter had emergency surgery to remove a severely infected tooth.  We praise God she came through the surgery well and is fully recovered.  At the hospital, a doctor overheard Sahar comforting her daughter in a foreign language.  When she learned Sahar was from Iran, she told her she had to meet her boss, a lead pediatrician at the hospital, who is Iranian.  After meeting Sahar and hearing about our work, she eagerly volunteered to help.
 
We also want to ask for your prayers as the situation for refugees in Greece continues to grow more difficult.  Many families we minister to are struggling to find a place to live, and make ends meet.  We help as much as we are able, providing groceries or occasionally covering utility bills.  In addition, many camps around Athens are currently under lockdown without adequate provision of food or medical assistance, due to Covid-19 among the residents.  Please pray that we would use our resources wisely, and that God would fill us with hope that overflows into the lives of those around us (Romans 15:13).  Please pray for a peaceful, long-term solution to the ongoing refugee crisis in Greece.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Wednesday prayer time has switched to 3pm on Wednesday afternoons at GBC in the Side Auditorium. So now no need to drive in the dark!  Come out and join Jacob and Karen Ginter in prayer.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: God is with you!
People fear a lot of things. People fear about what the future brings, illnesses, death, Covid, terrorist attacks, financial crisis, and the list goes on and on.
The problem with fear, when not controlled, is it may lead to the stunting of spiritual growth. Instead of moving forward with faith, you stay within your comfort zone.
Thankfully, the Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:10: “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.”
This verse gives us the reason to never be fearful. We don’t need to fear because God is with us. Other passages confirm why we should not be afraid.
Imagine this for a second: God is with you. The same God who is the Supreme Ruler of the entire universe. The same God who made Heaven and the Earth. The same God who holds all the power to protect you.
Will you then still be afraid? The logical answer should be NO. Of course, it’s easier said than done. We’ll look at some other keys from the Bible to overcome fear in the updates to come.  For now, let’s continue in faith.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon! I hope you’re making this a great week.  It’s interesting how so much of how you answer that statement comes down to our attitude. May ours be like Jesus!  I’m excited about this Sunday coming, read below to find out why!
 
Small Group Ministry
Believing that Christ calls our church to making disciples of all the world’s nations, GBC Small Groups foster community, encourage spiritual maturity and provide an avenue for reaching out corporately with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of service and evangelistic efforts.
 
After our 100 Days of Prayer, it became evident that many at GBC enjoyed the opportunity for community and fellowship through Small Groups. Following God’s direction through His people, GBC leadership chose to emphasize FOUR FOCUS AREAS for the good of GBC and our community, with Small Groups being one.
 
In preparation for our Fall 2020 Launch, a group of Small Group facilitators is preparing to lead. We’re also preparing training for our leaders and several different options for material to use in our Small Groups. Some of our groups will meet in-person, while others plan to meet via ZOOM. In this time of distancing, Small Groups are an excellent way to connect deeply with others at GBC
 
We want to do what we can to make it possible for as many people at GBC to become a part of a Small Group! Sign Up Online on the smalls groups page here!   I’m excited about the Fall 2020 launch of Small Groups at GBC!
 
 
Join us for Vision Sunday!
As has been mentioned recently, this Sunday we’re going to be looking at our vision and where we feel God is leading us.   There’ll be an opportunity to hear what this looks like and then to pray about it. Not surprising, my message will be on this theme. I’ll be looking at the Great Commission and how it applies today.
Shortly after we’ll be having our Annual General Meeting (yes, a BIT late). Even if you’re not a member, you’re welcome to join us and find out what’s been happening here at GBC .
 
I’m disappointed we can’t have “Lunch on the Lawn” due to the changes to gathering limits but that doesn’t mean we can’t still connect and grow as a church family. Instead, I propose a new event: “Lunch on LAWNS”. Why not find a few people and go to a park, a backyard or some other outdoor spot and enjoy lunch and then a fall day together?  I checked the weather, it looks good!
 
 
Thought for the day: Overcoming fear
Are you afraid? Do you fear what the future may bring into your life? Do you want to become more courageous and brave? Understanding some key Biblical ideas will help you overcome fear!  I know, some of you will be saying, ‘didn’t you just cover fear this summer in the Psalms?’  Well, yes, but with the recent surge in Covid cases and the rise of fear of a second wave I wanted to look at it again a bit.
The reality is everyone fears something. Since we were a child until we grow old, we all have fears.  Whether you like it or not, you have been filled with fear at least once in your life. Fear is a common human emotion that is deeply wired in our subconscious and conscious mind.
It is natural for us to fear, but it doesn’t mean that it should control our lives. Uncontrolled fear can lead to irrational thinking, behaviors, and worst, spiritual paralysis.
Jesus said this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  This becomes our key to understanding and overcoming fear- knowing and experiencing the peace of God through Jesus.    In the next few posts I’m going to look at one of the strongest emotions that we all experience. Let us examine the Bible and see what it says about fear and how to overcome it. I hope it will be fruitful for you.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  What a beautiful fall day this is turning out to be.  May we find blessings in it.  Yet despite the beauty, there are clouds overhead.  As we see Covid numbers increasing again this fall we’ve seen the government respond with tightening up regulations. I know this has brought out a wide range of emotions. Some think the government should go further and some think this is an overreaction. I suspect the same thought process is happening with how what we as a church are responding.  This is a time to show patience and grace with each other as the devil would love to sow seeds of discontent. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and find ways to let our lights shine.
              
 
Sunday Morning Services Update
With the recent changes to local mask policy and the government’s tightening of gathering limits we have a few changes that we need to implement.
First off, “Lunch on the Lawn” scheduled for Sunday is cancelled. With outdoor gathering numbers set at 25 we can’t do it. That being said, I’d encourage you to grab a few people and have lunch together on your lawn, in a park or on a deck.
Also, to clarify our mask policy, with the change in public policy everyone in the congregation will need to keep their mask on for the whole service unless they have a breathing issue. Under these directives though, those on the platform providing leadership are exempt.  As a reminder, we do this in respect for public authority and not out of fear, we do this to love our neighbor and those who are vulnerable in our church family.
 
 
Mission’s Report
Mark and Gretchen Potma (church planting work in Prague, Czech Republic)
Church Plants
Discipleship
Leadership
The Czech Republic is the most non-religious country in the world.  This is why we reach out to the greater Prague area with the Gospel.  It is one of the most under-reached, under-churched, and under-engaged regions of the Czech Republic.  Our strategy is to reach younger Czechs who are choosing to raise their families in the growing communities outside Prague.  The best way to reach a community with the gospel is to plant a church there!  Our vision is to see four new churches planted around Prague by 2030.  Our strategy is to use a “timed-release” approach, so a new church is launched before the previous one is fully established.  This would result in a new church being launched every 1 – 2 years, Lord willing.
 
As new Christians have come to faith, we have led them through discipleship courses and baptism.  Several have gone on to lead and serve in our church and God’s kingdom.  Our goal is to equip every new disciple to make new disciples.  We are encouraged with the number of believers attending Sunday services, actively participating in small groups, Bible studies and prayer meetings.
 
Mark has been serving as administrative pastor of the seven church network of church planting initiatives.  Our prayer is that God would place a burden on the hearts of the Czech church planters we can lead, mentor and encourage.  We continue to make use of and direct new leaders toward resources already available: local biblical and theological education, pastoral internship programmes, and plenty of hands-on ministry training and experience.  As a couple, we desire to invest in the lives of couples in ministry as they serve together.
 
Wednesday Prayer
Wednesday prayer has switched to 3pm on Wednesday afternoons at GBC. So now no need to drive in the dark!  Come out and join Jacob and Karen Ginter  in prayer.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: Discipleship never changes
It’s been interesting as we’ve looked at this thought over the past couple of weeks, as it turns out, discipleship in the time of coronavirus is like discipleship to Jesus at any other time. Disciples fix their eyes on Jesus and do so alongside their fellow disciples (even if its 2 meters apart!). And yet, in a time when emotional withdrawal and isolation are both tempting and real, practices of attending to the presence of Jesus and attending to others are urgently needed. Perhaps one of the opportunities of these days is that we do not have the luxury to “play Christian” or “play church.” The realities of the moment force our hands. Turning and returning to the presence of Jesus and the presence of his people is the way of Jesus in these times and always, and honestly, as I think about it that’s pretty exciting. Discipleship never changes.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week!  There seems to be increased concern about growing Covid numbers and a second wave. Regardless of what happens, remember, God is in control so continue to put your hope and trust in him no matter what happens.
Despite all this, we’ve been having a great start to fall ministry with lots of encouraging things going on- God is GOOD!
 
 
Join us this Sunday!
This Sunday Patrick is speaking and will be looking at the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  As a reminder, we’ll be having communion as part of the service. Please remember to pick up your self-contained cup on the way in. Also, if you’re watching on the livestream, you’re welcome and encouraged to join in. Find elements that will be meaningful to your or if you’d like to use the same cups we are, let me know and I’ll have some delivered.
Oh, and the paving is done!
 
 
Update from the elders
Next Sunday, the 27th, will be our Vision Sunday, AGM and lunch on the lawn social gathering.  Yes, it’s going to be a full day!
For those who are members of GBC and will not be attending, we’d ask that you fill in a proxy form and send it back to us either as a scan or take a picture.   You can name either Dan Chapman or Patrick Thornton as proxies please.
You would then email it back to them at either:
Dan Chapman: drc@protonmail.com
Patrick Thornton: thornton.patrick@gmail.com
Thank you for helping us achieve quorum for this important business meeting
 
 
Thought for the day:  Staying connected as an act of discipleship
Despite everything going its important to stay connected to your church family that is appropriate to your level of physical distancing. Here are some ideas to consider: would it be safe and appropriate to call someone up you haven’t seen for a while and invite them for a walk 2 meters apart around the block? Could you meet at a local park or nature center for a conversation at either end of a picnic table? Of course there is always phone, text, and online connection. And for those of us with a social bubble, remember to take the time to encourage them in their walk with God.  So lets not neglect meeting together.  Our ongoing discipleship to Jesus depends on finding ways to hold onto one another emotionally, even if not physically, during this time.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  Lots to share today as we’re full into our fall ministry. This will likely be the case for the next few updates!  So, I’d encourage you to read carefully, thoughtfully and also PRAYERFULLY what follows.  How can you be a part of supporting what God is doing here at GBC?  Read below and find out!
 
 
Communion at Sunday’s Service
As I mentioned at the end of our service Sunday, we will be having communion this Sunday at our regular 11am service.  We’re excited to return to this vital part of our relationship with God. We’ve been able to secure pre-filled communion cups that include both the bread and juice so they will be safe.  They’ll be on a table in the foyer when you enter so please take one on entry and keep it with you until instructed to participate.
It’s been a while since we’ve done communion so I’d encourage you to spend some time examining yourself and preparing for this opportunity.  Are you looking for something to meditate on? I’d suggest 1 Corinthians 11:23-32.
If you join us on our livestream I’d encourage you to take part as well. You can use what you feel is appropriate for elements or else we can make the same ones available we’re using to you.  Let me know and one of the elders will arrange to drop off them off for you.
 
 
Youth Ministry Restarting!
Youth is starting up again on Wednesday as ALIVE resumes.  Details were emailed out including our Covid protocols, but if you’d like information please let me know.  I’d ask that you pray for the youth and leaders.  An additional prayer is that we can reconnect with our community kids. Before the lockdown the youth ministry had over half of the participants from the community so we’d like to be able to continue to journey with them. Please lift them up in prayer!
 
 
Mission’s Update
Update from Rural Life Mission
AGM
Earls
Because the RLM Spring Conference was cancelled due to Covid-19, our RLM Annual meeting was also cancelled.  At this meeting, the members, board and workers go over the financial statements, vote on a new set of directors and appoint auditors as well as other matters!  Since it is required by law to have an annual meeting, we have scheduled a virtual Zoom meeting for Saturday Sept. 19th at 10:00 a.m.
 
Thunder Bay Mission Home, Jack & Pennie Earls
Praise for God’s enabling power during this pandemic and the ability to carry on hosting guests.
Pray for the many unsaved and former foster teens we have contact with.
Praise for our Lord keeping our loved ones safe.
Praise for 2 young men at our assembly baptized this past week.  Pray that God would provide them with employment.
Pray for our unsaved grandchildren.
Pray for the safe delivery of our 4th great grandchild due later this year.
Pray for us as we seek God’s guidance for our future.
 
 
Thought for the day:  Live in community with others
While we’re open and holding services (and even having communion Sunday) things are still a lot different then they were. We wear masks, we don’t sing, we come in and go out. Whether you are physically distancing by not attending in person or lamenting the restrictions in place if you are, don’t give in to the inner pull to withdraw emotionally. Allow yourself, as best you can, to feel the loss of community, the sadness of either not meeting in person or the lament of the changes and restrictions that are in place for our physical gatherings  With these vulnerable feelings, communicate your longing and pain to those you miss or those who are on the journey with you. Whether by letter, phone, text, or video, let those close to you—or those you realize are closer than you thought—know that their connection is a significant part of your life. Perhaps you can send a card or note or simply send a text that expresses your heart for connection. That expression of relational need will itself be life-giving and will, hopefully, be received and returned. As Paul says, “For I long to see you…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom 1:11–12). Paul expresses his longing for mutual connection and there is mutual encouragement even in his expression of that desire.  Live in community with others no matter what that looks like!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week. I love the summer time (even under Covid!) but about this time of year I get really excited about all that’s to come in fall ministry.  We’ve got a lot of great things starting over the next few weeks. Stay tuned as more is shared.
 
 
Join us on Sunday
This Sunday I’ll be finishing up our summer series looking at fear as addressed in the book of Psalms. I’ll be looking at Psalm 91.
If you’re joining us here for our live service, the paving on Wellington Street and Silvercreek is still going on. So, be sure you leave a bit more time to get here and navigate the detours.
 
 
Update from the Elders
On Sunday, September 27 we’re going to launch our fall ministry season with a VISION SUNDAY.  Please plan to join us in person or via Facebook Live for our 11:00 service as we highlight the priorities that we are moving forward with this fall in line with GBC’s vision to see God transforming lives.  We will celebrate the ways in which God is working in our midst and highlight opportunities for you to be involved. 
 
Following the service, we will hold a short Annual General Meeting to approve the 2019 financial statements, approve the 2020 budget, appoint an auditor and elect Directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting.  Normally the AGM is held in March or April but was delayed this year because of COVID.  We will be asking members to complete a proxy form to ensure that we achieve quorum for the AGM.
 
Following the AGM, for those who can stay, we’re going to have our first “LUNCH ON THE LAWN” of the year. Bring a blanket, bring a lunch and enjoy a fall day.  We’ll have self-contained beverages available for you to drink to ensure safety and please be sure to observe physical distancing.  I’m looking forward to having the chance to hang out as a church family.
I hope to see you at Vision Sunday on September 27!
 
 
Thought for the day:  To grow we need each other
Another essential element of discipleship that needs to be remembered and especially in these times is that disciples of Jesus never minister alone. As Mark’s gospel records, “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two” (Mk 6:7). The one time the Gospels record a disciple doing something alone is when Judas goes to betray Jesus. The point is a much broader one and is summed up in this, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen 2:18). Particularly in times when we are tempted to turn inward, we must intentionally engage practices of Christian friendship and community.
 
Our church family is essential for our spiritual health and growth. Honestly, in times like this, we won’t make it without each other and we will certainly not serve others consistently or well alone either. In the best of times we appear to do alright in independence and autonomy, but we’re only fooling ourselves. The busyness and distraction of “normal times” keeps hidden our desperate need for spiritual family and the consequences of loneliness. The writer of Hebrews said this: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).  We all need to be in community to grow in God.  Who’s in yours?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

 Good morning! If we had any doubt fall was upon us today’s weather will get rid of that! It’s been nice to pray for our students returning to school these past two Sundays.  As we move into the fall semester, which is filled with a lot of unknows, may we continue to pray for all of them.
 
 
Mission’s Update
Buchner Praise and Prayer Update
-Health
-Work
-Messages
 
We continue our morning walks in the park and coffee when we can for exercise and fresh air.  Dave continues to build up his stamina and help for mobility with weekly physio appointments.  His first major dental appointment went well except for tiredness after the 2 hours at the dentist. Second major dental appointment for Dave is September 17th for placement of a crown and 3 minor fillings.  Dave was fitted today for a new adjustable hand splint.  The other one was getting soft after heat adjustments.
 
Recent new connections for 4 internationals (China, Brazil) with existing conversation partners.
Ongoing contacts for English with our teachers, conversation partners, conversation group members.
 
Encouraging feedback from our internationals (see 2 messages that are particularly encouraging below).
 
Karen is working on a website for Guelph international students with student testimonials from some who have enjoyed the English conversation opportunities through having an English conversation partner, and involvement in the English conversation groups.
Lucy, now back in China, sent me an email about her experience with the English program and other opportunities while here as a visiting scholar:
“As a visiting scholar I find the conversation group and one to one partners very helpful not only to improve my English but also to learn about the local culture．  Through group discussions and one to one conversations I have the courage to open my mouth to express myself．  This makes my life much easier in both academic and daily life．  I really appreciate what my devoted teachers， like Linda， Henk， Elmer， Lucas, and my conversation partner Cathy did for me．  They make me feel that I’m a member of a happy family and I’m loved by them and by God．  All my teachers are very considerate to organize all kinds of activities for us， such as a party， a play and a short travel together which has enriched my life and alleviated my loneliness a lot！  Thank you， all my dear friends I mentioned in this email.  You create a special and unforgettable memory of living in Canada．”
 
Henk (heads up the ISMC ministry in Guelph and teaches different Bible studies) received an email from someone who recently returned to China.  He tries to meet with each returnee and give them a copy of a flash drive that Dave prepared to give to the returnees.  This is an encouraging email to see how this still is bearing fruit in the lives of those who return:
“I watched some videos on the flash drive you gave me.  I think the people who made the videos are very thoughtful and they must know very well about the traditional culture of China.  From those videos I have got a lot of new thoughts about how to interpret the concept of "God" in different cultures.  The videos also consolidated my belief in the Word of God.  In the future I will try my best to follow Jesus not only in words but also in actions.  No matter how far I go in the Bible learning journey, the Word will be a power resource of my life.  I wish I can get a wiser head and a peaceful heart after this learning.”
 
These messages are rich in their entirety of how our Lord continues to work in the lives of the internationals that He brings into the lives of the many ISMC staff and volunteers who serve Him.
 
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for Dave and me as well as the many others here in Guelph and elsewhere.
 
Blessings as you also serve Him,
Linda (and Dave)
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter at our GBC Prayer Night on Wednesday’s at 7pm at GBC.
Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day:  Spiritual Practices to help us draw closer to God
On Sunday I talked about seeking God’s face.  This can be more than an attitude, it can become a spiritual discipline or practice. There’s lots of ways we can draw closer to God.  Another practice to consider is turning our hands up to God at various times and praying like the Canaanite woman, “Lord, help me” (Matt 15:25) or with blind Bartimaeus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). Or we might consider meditatively praying the Lord’s Prayer morning, noon, and evening. The verse “Give us this day our daily bread” will seem more relevant than ever. Perhaps as we take in news updates, we could imagine presenting the need or concern found in it to Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father. Additionally, short prayers of lament can aid us in bringing our loss, anger, and confusion to God: “How long, O Lord?” (Ps 13:2), “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?” (Ps 10:1), “Come quickly, Lord, to help me” (Ps 40:13), “Lord, have mercy on us,” (Matt 20:21), and “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matt 26:39). These are not practices that are meant to take us out of the moment. Instead, they are practices that allow us to remain in the moment in a faithful, redemptive, life-giving way and that helps us walk closer to God.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  It’s hard to believe today is September 1st. Where has the summer gone?!?  We see though more fall-like conditions so like it or not, a new season is upon us.  Speaking of seasons, I continue with some thoughts on how we can grow as a follower of Jesus no matter the season. Besides Covid there are so many things that seem to work against us but keep your eyes fixed on God, grow as a disciple and you’ll see things change even if your circumstances don’t.
 
 
Mission’s Update
Rebekah Tamminga (Power to Change)
-New Baby
-Work Plans
-Prayer requests
 
Ken and I are excited to announce we are expecting our first child!  Baby Tamminga is due Feb 1st, 2021.  We are thrilled!  We are so thankful for this good gift from the Lord and can't wait to meet our little one!
So far it has been a smooth pregnancy; our baby is healthy and very active! I had difficult morning sickness, but now it has gotten much better.  Please pray for energy, as fatigue is my most enduring symptom.
I will continue to work with P2C until January 8th, when I begin one year of maternity leave.  After, I'll return to part-time work on the Creative Communications team with P2C.  Both Ken and I had stay-at-home-moms, and we really value that, so I will be the primary caregiver of our children.  But I also (as an extrovert) really value people/ adult time, and would love to continue using my creative gifts for God's kingdom.
It also feels like the right time to end my formal role with Brock and focus on my full-time role as Video Team Lead.  Over the last 6 years it has been deeply rewarding to work with the Brock students and see them grow.  I'm excited about the potential of my new focus, as video is a powerful tool to reach students as our ministry moves online.
 
Please pray:
For our growing child, that God would draw this child to himself, and that he or she would know, love, and follow the Lord all their life.
For Ken and I, that God would prepare and shape us to be the parents he wants us to be.
For safe and healthy growth and delivery, for both baby and myself
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter at our GBC Prayer Night on Wednesday’s at 7pm at GBC.
Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– jginter@guelphprays.com or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day:  Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
The author of Hebrews writes, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who…has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1–2). The Apostle Paul urges the same orientation of mind, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1). We are encouraged to fix our mind’s eye on King Jesus, who is seated in a position of rest, power, and all authority. Jesus is not pacing back and forth, wringing his hands, and wondering what to do. Our Lord, savior and friend is paying attention to us, the human situation, our needs, and the needs of those around the world. We need to pay attention to him—fixing our eyes, setting our minds, waiting—while we attend to the news, our needs and the needs of those around us. Take this perspective and watch things change!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good afternoon!  I hope you’re making this a great week.
As we move into the fall and I’ve begun to work on some ministry planning in the reality of our Covid world its gotten me thinking about how to grow as a follower of Jesus during this all. So, for the next few updates I’ll be sharing some thoughts on how to grow even in a Covid world. I hope its both an encouragement and challenge.
 
 
Join us on Sunday:
If you’re joining us here for our live service, I want to remind you that there’s paving going on on Wellington Street and Silvercreek as well. So, be sure you leave a bit more time to get here and navigate the detours.
Jacob will be speaking on Psalm 23, a favorite of many please join us live or on our livestream.
If you’ve been thinking about coming out on Sunday, I’d encourage you to do so. We have many safety protocols in place to ensure your health. It would be nice to have you back!  Of course we’ll be continuing out livestream as well
 
 
Update from the Elders:
As I mentioned above, fall ministry planning is well underway. Yes, some things will be different, but there will still be opportunities to grow in God and community. Stay tuned for more details coming out soon.
 
 
Thought for the day: When Tempted to turn inward, turn your gaze to Jesus
“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).

Under threat, scarcity and stress we sometimes find ourselves understandably becoming self-protective. We turn inward. And yet, the demands of these days call us outward. 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?
 
First, we must remember that we are disciples of the living, ascended, and enthroned God. When Jesus called his disciples 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.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris