Good afternoon! The number of cases of Corona Virus seem to be levelling off and may even be starting to drop; that’s good. The government in Ontario has decided to continue our lockdown for another month, that’s not so good. I know that can be discouraging so may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. A lot of things these days that come at us are a surprise. Know who’s not surprised? God. Psalm 139 reminds us: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” So let’s remember who’s in charge and may we be guided by his word and led by the Holy Spirit. God’s got this and will see us through.
Join us on Sunday!
Sunday I will be wrapping up my series on the “Hope of Easter”. I hope (no pun intended) that it’s been as encouraging for you as it is has been for me. I’ll be speaking on finding hope AFTER Easter and will be looking at the idea of change. Afterwards, for those who can stick around, grab a coffee or drink, and join me for a Q&A and prayer time.
You can tune in on our livestream that is available through our webpage
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca
or Live on our Facebook page: guelphbiblechapel
Hope to ‘see’ you Sunday at 11am!
Care Ministry Update
Follow up on Helen’s thoughts and resources from Tuesday:
Here’s some more timely thoughts from Helen: “We also need to be praying for “spiritual cover” at this critical time, as we realistically think about the potential spiritual sins that can accompany being stressed, house-bound for hours on end, potentially bored, with the vast internet at our fingertips (young and old). I am thinking of no-one specific; perhaps known people-at-risk, but also those we deem to be okay- both GBC members and their extended families. The following temptations could be exacerbated at this time: on-line bullying, alcohol or drug addictions; online pornography or cybersex; on-line gambling; and domestic violence. Many are vulnerable, and we need to “be on the alert… our enemy, the devil, prowls around… seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8).”
Please remember that if you are struggling with any of the above, please do not hesitate to reach out and bring your concerns to Pastor Chris, any of the Elders or myself.
Helen has added a recent list of government-sponsored options of where to find help.
A thought for the day: A New Normal
Jacob shared an article with the elders and I which had some great points in it I wanted to share. As a creature of habit, I like my routine and my ‘normal’, but normal is not likely to return. Is that such a bad thing? Here are some ‘upsides’ of this pandemic from the article and chance we have for a shift in attitude and actions:
-What if this crisis is a divine disruption that allows us to rethink ourselves, to rethink our lives, to reconsider our habits?
-What if this crisis is a divine opportunity to reflect on what matters most and to order our lives accordingly?
-What if we now have the opportunity to make different decisions—to prayerfully discern how to create and cultivate a new and better normal on the other side of this crisis?
-What if we now have the chance to reset our expectations, to refocus our attention on what matters most, and to recommit to the people we’re called to love and serve?
This doesn’t seem so bad in this light, does it. Maybe its time we embrace the opportunity for a new normal!
Make this a great day!
In His grip,
Pastor Chris
Join us on Sunday!
Sunday I will be wrapping up my series on the “Hope of Easter”. I hope (no pun intended) that it’s been as encouraging for you as it is has been for me. I’ll be speaking on finding hope AFTER Easter and will be looking at the idea of change. Afterwards, for those who can stick around, grab a coffee or drink, and join me for a Q&A and prayer time.
You can tune in on our livestream that is available through our webpage
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca
or Live on our Facebook page: guelphbiblechapel
Hope to ‘see’ you Sunday at 11am!
Care Ministry Update
Follow up on Helen’s thoughts and resources from Tuesday:
Here’s some more timely thoughts from Helen: “We also need to be praying for “spiritual cover” at this critical time, as we realistically think about the potential spiritual sins that can accompany being stressed, house-bound for hours on end, potentially bored, with the vast internet at our fingertips (young and old). I am thinking of no-one specific; perhaps known people-at-risk, but also those we deem to be okay- both GBC members and their extended families. The following temptations could be exacerbated at this time: on-line bullying, alcohol or drug addictions; online pornography or cybersex; on-line gambling; and domestic violence. Many are vulnerable, and we need to “be on the alert… our enemy, the devil, prowls around… seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8).”
Please remember that if you are struggling with any of the above, please do not hesitate to reach out and bring your concerns to Pastor Chris, any of the Elders or myself.
Helen has added a recent list of government-sponsored options of where to find help.
- Children and youth under 18 can locate mental health services through the Ontario.ca and Kids Help Phone websites, or contact Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 support, if they need someone to talk to.
- Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to postsecondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Learn more at www.good2talk.ca[RR(3] .
- To access BounceBack and their guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support, visit bouncebackontario.ca or ask your primary care provider for a referral.
- For Ontarians currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options.
A thought for the day: A New Normal
Jacob shared an article with the elders and I which had some great points in it I wanted to share. As a creature of habit, I like my routine and my ‘normal’, but normal is not likely to return. Is that such a bad thing? Here are some ‘upsides’ of this pandemic from the article and chance we have for a shift in attitude and actions:
-What if this crisis is a divine disruption that allows us to rethink ourselves, to rethink our lives, to reconsider our habits?
-What if this crisis is a divine opportunity to reflect on what matters most and to order our lives accordingly?
-What if we now have the opportunity to make different decisions—to prayerfully discern how to create and cultivate a new and better normal on the other side of this crisis?
-What if we now have the chance to reset our expectations, to refocus our attention on what matters most, and to recommit to the people we’re called to love and serve?
This doesn’t seem so bad in this light, does it. Maybe its time we embrace the opportunity for a new normal!
Make this a great day!
In His grip,
Pastor Chris