GBC Community Update: What does faith that works look like?

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  As move into summer and the heat increases remember to exercise patience if you find yourself getting ‘hot’ about something. Think before you speak. Here’s another thought- make sure you’re drinking lots of water and not allowing dehydration which has a big negative impact on life. At this time of year, you should be drinking 2+ liters a day. There you go…you’ve had both your pastoral and coaching moment for the day…LOL!
 
 
Welcome the Iles Family at a Dinner and Hymn Sing on July 23rd!
We are grateful to welcome Jamie, Emily and their family as part of the GBC congregation as Jamie takes on the role of Music Director.  Please plan to join us on the evening of Sunday, July 23rd for a pot-luck dinner and hymn sing.  Bring a salad, main course or dessert and join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner.  Then stay around for a hymn sing at 6:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity to introduce the Iles to the congregation, sing some favourite hymns and gospel songs, and more!  Please add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer - you can indicate what you will bring and also include a favourite song request as well.  We hope to see you on the 23rd!
 
 
Child Dedication coming July 16
The opportunity for parents to dedicate their children to the Lord is a particular blessing to the family and to the church. So, on Sunday July 16 we’re going to have the first opportunity to do this since Covid shut us down.
If you have children (regardless of age) that you would like to dedicate to the Lord we would invite you to be part of our ceremony that will be held during our main service.  If you’d like to sign up, or if you have questions about dedication and why we do it this way, please let me know.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we continue our series, “Firm Foundations”-a study of the book of Romans
The foundation of a building is critically important for the stability of the structure that sits on it. In many ways our faith and relationship with God needs the same thing.  How is your foundation? We continue to look at this idea as we study the book of Romans, perhaps the best book of the New Testament for this kind of thing. 
This Sunday Pastor Dan will be starting Romans 15 as we begin to wind this series down.
Want to prepare? Read the text for Sunday ahead of time: Romans 15:1-7.
If you can’t make it you can connect through our website:  
www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Faith that Works
What does it mean to live a faith that works?  It means a faith that is effective for the times we’re in but also one we do something with.   Our salvation in Jesus Christ is a gift and so is the new life he gives us.  With this in mind, what can we remember to help  us let our lights shine?
I could do a whole series of thoughts on this (maybe I will in the fall!) but for now, here are a few things that help us to achieve practical holiness and spiritual maturity.  First key is to remember God seeks to touch our consciences and stir our souls to action through the Holy Spirit.
So…STAND with confidence…remember, he who is in your is greater than he who is in world
SERVE with compassion...be engaged with the world around you; pray and look for opportunities
SPEAK with care...watch what you say in terms of content and audience
SUBMIT with contrition…humble yourself before God and HE will lift you up
SHARE with concern…your time and treasure then forgive as God has forgiven us
And most of all pray. Then, when you face trials of all kinds you can consider it pure joy and experience the blessings and crown of life that come with a life living a faith that works.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris