GBC Community Update: Christmas- a message worth sharing

​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