GBC Community Update: Practical implications of being a disciple of Jesus

​Good morning.  I heard some great things about the service on Sunday. I’ve been enjoying watching it on our YouTube channel. I’m so glad we have this option and am thankful to our tech team for all they do to make it happen. We are blessed here in so many ways!
 
 
Further information on out Refugee Sponsorship Team (RST)
As was announced Sunday, we are looking to become involved with sponsoring a refugee to Canada.  So, we are looking to round out our Refugee Sponsorship Team (RST) alongside Aklilu and Natnael in bringing persecuted believers to Guelph. Thanks to those who have already reached out to indicate your interest (4 people!). GBC is primarily responsible to provide the following: making and completing the application to sponsor refugees (some learning/reading, communication and administration required – helpful web resources and contact with local sponsors available); communication with Aklilu and Natnael, informing the congregation of the process and promoting prayer for the process, assistance with refugee settlement in Guelph (Aklilu and Natnael desire to be involved too). While donations are accepted, this is not the primary ask. Our Eritrean friends have expressed a desire to provide finances through their network. For further information, or to indicate your interest in serving in any one of the areas noted, please contact Jacob Ginter – [email protected]
 
 
 
Oasis@Midweek is tomorrow
Oasis@Midweek is back to its regular schedule so happening tomorrow night.  This event is for kids JK to grade 6 who 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 team will be 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.
 
 
New Pastor’s Office Hours
With the changes to my schedule and Pastor Dan now being on the ground many have been asking about availability and office hours.  I will now be in the office mainly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or as the need arises.  Pastor Dan will be more generally available by appointment or by chance other than on Fridays which will be his day off.
 
 
Thought for the day:  Practical Implications of Being a Disciple of Jesus
If you want to be a servant of Jesus you have to be a disciple.  Makes sense, right?  This essentially means we follow him.  So then, what does it mean to follow Jesus? There are lots of books written about it, blogs and podcasts too. There’s no lack of information out there. Still, what does it mean to FOLLOW Jesus?
When Jesus called His first disciples He simply said, “Follow Me.”
These humble fishermen responded by leaving their careers, their possessions, and even their families to follow Him.  This wasn’t just a part-time project for them where they could change their minds in a few days and go back to their profession as fishermen. They left everything — and by doing so they were making a promise to complete the course and finish this new assignment.
By agreeing to follow Jesus they consented to be His students or His learners in the Jewish method of a Rabbinical school of discipleship. They recognized Him as a teacher and a leader, and they made this commitment to be His disciples.  What does it mean then to ‘follow’ Jesus? It’s a commitment and a choice and yes, it does cost us but its so worth it.
 
So this is what I’m going to be looking at over the next couple of weeks. For today I’ll add this: being a disciple of Jesus means to learn from Him and to stay close to Him. These two imperatives are the very core of true discipleship. These two requirements were essential for Christ’s disciples then — and likewise are necessary for followers of Christ today.  We’ll go deeper into these in my next number of updates.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris