Update for Friday, March 31st
Dear Church family and friends,
Our expectations are often wrong – particularly when we expect things of ourselves, others, or God. It is a painful reminder that we cannot expect Godly things from human beings, and we cannot expect completely human things from God. Whilst God’s son Jesus was given to us as the intended King, he was born as a baby in a manger, rather than a palace, to anything but royal parents. Thirty-three years later his entrance in Jerusalem was not as regal as expected of a King. There were no outriders, no security, and no carriage: instead he entered on a lowly donkey. True, there were those present who recognised his position and gave him an appropriate welcome – even throwing palm leaves on the floor. Now known as “Palm Sunday”, it signifies the beginning of Holy Week, which is what we will be marking this Sunday at our usual time of 11am at the FTH facilities or online via Zoom (please write to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link).
While it is the first Sunday of the month we will not be sharing Communion with one another as this will take place on Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag – 6th April) in our evening service at 7pm. We do this to parallel the events of the Last Supper on the evening before Jesus Christ’s death. During this service we will reflect on and commemorate that cruel death on the cross with some songs and listening to God’s Word.
Three days later – on Sunday 9th April – the celebrations begin again! We will join together at 9am for an Easter Breakfast to rejoice that God’s promise has been fulfilled – Jesus died and rose again so that we may live! If you have not already done so, please sign up to attend and make note of what you plan on bringing. Afterward there will be a Resurrection Sunday service and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. So that the children have something to search for, we are looking for donations of individually wrapped Easter sweets or chocolates.
Living in a post-Easter world we know what happened way back then; nevertheless it is important to be reminded and to look afresh at the events that occurred. To re-learn what Jesus suffered through, so that we may no more live separated from God. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 11am to start this season of reflection – and ultimately joy.
Update for Monday, March 27th
Dear Church family and friends,
Time flies: just a few weeks ago we were making puns about ‘March’-ing into a new month and now we are in its last full week. For those involved in education, that means there’s only one week until the holidays – for the rest of us, it is two weeks until Easter.
Our last Sunday service in March saw Johannes preaching on sanctification, with Philippians 2: 12-13 as his reference point. There is a recording of this sermon, should you have missed it, but you will need to turn up your volume very high to be able to hear it. The livestream on Sunday was itself very quiet, yet audible – unfortunately we have not been able to change this in editing. Don’t forget to turn your volume back down after listening! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhLgpya7zOE
For this week, we have our Bible Studies as usual, Young Adults’ Bible Study (YABS) on Tuesday at 7pm and Mid-Week Bible Study on Wednesday at 7pm via Zoom. For more information about where YABS are meeting, please write to yabs@ibc-giessen.org, and for a link to the Wednesday Zoom meeting, office@ibc-giessen.org is where you need to make your request.
For those who are morning people, there is a chance to be part of prayer gathering on Wednesday at 8am in the Prayer Room at the FTH facilities.
Over in the Campus für Christus HUB in Am Unteren Rain 2 – about a 10 minute walk from the FTH – an acoustic concert will be taking place, also on Wednesday evening. A relaxed evening with music and testimony, C-WERK hope to use this event to draw more people to Jesus, so it is perfect for inviting any friends or family who are interested in our faith. For more information, please click here (German only): https://www.cvents.eu/de/c-werk-unplugged-ganz-ohne-schnick-schnack-ganz-ohne-filter-ganz-echt-giessen-29032023/
Another busy week at IBC Giessen – and we’re yet to talk about Easter!
Have a blessed week!
Update for Friday, March 24th
Dear Church family and friends,
The dawn chorus has started its morning birdsong and the sun starts to glint through that space in the curtain that isn’t quite closed yet, and you wake up naturally. So used to the sun rising later, you think it’s about 9am – or perhaps even later than that – so, to your surprise, when you turn round and check your phone or alarm clock, it shows something much earlier.
Perhaps this is your reality on Sunday morning, when the clocks go forward an hour to accommodate the increase in daylight hours. Should you find yourself with more time than you were anticipating before our regular 11am service, perhaps you would like to catch up on Pastor Buddy’s sermon from last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um3I5U9xSto.
However, if you are just that tired and you manage to sleep your way through the loud tweeting outside, cars going past your window, other people in your building stomping round getting ready for their day, and you don’t think you’ll make it to Church on time, you are more than welcome to join our livestream and be part of our Zoom congregation. Just e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link. Please keep your microphone on mute throughout the service.
One last call for the gentlemen reading this who wish to attend the Men’s Breakfast! It takes place tomorrow (Saturday 25th) at 9:30am in the student kitchen – please bring some food to share.
C-Werk, the cultural branch of Campus für Christus is organising a small series of free acoustic concerts in different German cities, which aim to be a real, unfiltered reflection of the gospel. They are designed to be a great opportunity to bring friends, neighbours or relatives who are interested in putting their trust in Jesus, but still have questions or need further motivation.
This coming Wednesday (29th), Giessen will play host to Yulia and Timme in the Campus HUB at 7:30pm. You can find more information here: https://www.cvents.eu/de/c-werk-unplugged-ganz-ohne-schnick-schnack-ganz-ohne-filter-ganz-echt-giessen-29032023/.
Have a wonderful weekend – and don’t forget to programme or set your clocks to an hour earlier on Saturday evening, unless you know that they will do it by themselves very early on Sunday morning!
Update for Monday, March 20th
Dear Church family and friends,
During this first ‘official’ week of spring, we have our usual activities taking place:
YABS (Young Adult Bible Study) on Tuesday evening at 7pm; Wednesday morning prayer at the FTH at 8am, and Wednesday evening Mid-Week Bible Study online at 7pm.
For more information on where YABS will be meeting, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org. Otherwise, office@ibc-giessen.org is your contact for requesting a link to Wednesday evening’s Bible Study on the book of Philippians or any other questions you may have.
We pray that you are having a great start to the week, with plenty of opportunity to get ready for the clock change this coming Sunday!
Update for Friday, March 17th
Dear Church family and friends,
Here at IBC Giessen we are part way through a project.
If you have stayed long enough in the Chapel after the service has ended, you will see a series of photos of different people right at the end of the presentation. These are the first results of Johannes’ plans for getting pictures of as many IBCG attendees as possible and presenting them, so we may better know and identify one another. We are looking to continue and gather more photos this Sunday, when Miri will be joining us and helping us to create the best photographs possible. All you need to do is ask, and your picture will be taken after the service.
Not sure what we’re talking about? Come and join us for our service at 11am on Sunday morning and stay and chat for a little while when it’s finished. If you’re joining us on our livestream – a Zoom link will be sent to you if you e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org – just stay logged on after the blessing.
Something else that takes place after the service is the rehearsal for the Easter Cantata. Simone will be leading a choir in a few seasonal songs in our upcoming Easter services – and it’s not too late to join them!
Gathering together on a Sunday morning provides an interesting snapshot of the variety in God’s creation – different ages, different backgrounds, and different life experiences. We look forward to welcoming yet more into the picture of our Church life.
Update for Monday, March 13th
Dear Church family and friends,
Keeping ourselves well-nourished is essential and, so they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. On Sunday, the list for our Easter Breakfast had its first appearance on the information tables at the back of the Church. Thankfully, some people have already put their names down for some of the suggested items – but we are looking for more! Even if you are unsure what you would like to bring, please put your name down to attend. The Breakfast will take place on Sunday 9th April at 9am.
The gentlemen will be having a ‘practise breakfast’ before then on Saturday 25th March at 9:30am. Here also the men planning to attend need to register their interest, but this time by e-mailing office@ibc-giessen.org with their name, whether they intend on bringing anyone with them, and what they plan on adding to the menu!
A balanced diet is also necessary, and as followers of Christ we know that we not only need physical food, but also spiritual input – and that comes from reading His Word and meditating on it. For that we offer Young Adults’ Bible Study (YABS) on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, Prayer Meeting on Wednesday at 8am, and our Mid-Week Bible Study on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.
YABS meets in different groups who change their meeting point each week. For more information on who gathers where, please write an e-mail to yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
Mid-Week Bible Study, on the other hand, takes place online only with Pastor Buddy leading us through the book of Philippians. For a link to the Zoom meeting, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org . The Prayer Meeting earlier on the same day, happens in the Prayer Room at the FTH facilities.
If you are not able to go to any of our gatherings during the week, we can suggest listening to Pastor Buddy’s sermon from Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwPQRVhlPi0
We pray that our Lord serves you up a good week this week!
Update for Friday, March 10th
Dear Church family and friends,
Winter appears to be wringing out the last drops of the season, making us doubt the onset of spring, for which there seems to be several potential starting dates. Some think that spring begins in March, others with the clock changes (26th March), and there are even a few that are of the opinion that Easter signals its beginning. What we do know though, is that the Easter holidays are just 3 weeks, and the occasion itself 4 weeks, away – and we are looking forward to it!
At IBC Giessen, we like to begin our Resurrection Sunday celebrations with a breakfast fellowship starting punctually at 9am. So that there’s a good spread of food, we make sure that a sign-up sheet is at Church in the Sundays leading up to the event. This way, everyone can put their name down for something – jam, cold meats, eggs, etc. – or even just write down their names so that we know how many to expect. Bringing items that need warming or cooking is also allowed, but we do ask that you arrive in plenty of time to organise that for yourself, bearing in mind that others might be of the same mind. This sign-up sheet will be making its debut this Sunday and can be found in the entrance area of the Chapel.
During the Easter Sunday service – which takes place directly after the breakfast – an Easter Choir will be performing. They are still looking for more singers! If you would like to get involved, please contact Simone (simone.mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de). Rehearsals are held after each Sunday service in the lead up to Easter.
All our services – both those remaining before Easter, and Resurrection Sunday itself – start at 11am at the FTH facilities and online. If you would like a link to this week’s livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org.
It might still seem like a long wait, but we know that it will be worth it. So we wait prayerfully, joyfully and completely trusting in the blessings that God will give us.
Update for Wednesday, March 8th
Dear Church family and friends,
It’s Wednesday, so we are close to Friday – which means Worship Night really isn’t that far away!
A good opportunity to invite friends and join together in praise with others, we look forward to seeing you there!
Update for Monday, March 6th
Dear Church family and friends,
It’s a packed week in Church this week, but before we delve into what’s coming up, here is the link to Pastor Buddy’s sermon from Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szRBKCw0kr4
On Tuesday, YABS will meet up in their respective groups and continue studying the word of God, praying together and enjoying a time of fellowship. If you feel that you are a Young Adult – YABS stands for ‘Young Adults’ Bible Study – and are free at 7pm, you are more than welcome to join in. To find out who is meeting where, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
Wednesdays could start and end with a Church related activity if you so wished. At 8am in the Prayer Room at the FTH facilities, a group of people will be convening for prayer. You don’t need to register an interest, so you can turn up spontaneously.
At 7pm in the evening the Zoom meeting starts for our Mid-Week Bible Study. We will be continuing our reading and discussions on the book of Philippians. You can get a link to the meeting by e-mailing office@ibc-giessen.org.
Worship Night returns on Friday evening! Join us at 7pm in the Chapel at the FTH facilities, for an extended time of worship featuring a mix of well-known praise songs and some new ones in English and German. There will also be an opportunity to partake in the Lord’s Table. We look forward to filling the room with people singing passionately for and to our great God!
Singers are also needed for the next cantata, which will perform at Easter. To find out more information, please contact Simone: simone.mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de . Rehearsals take place after the service on Sunday.
Have a brilliant week!
Update for Sunday, March 5th
Dear Church family and friends,
Just one more week and then it’s Worship Night at the IBC Giessen! Before then, there are some other Bible Studies and opportunities to gather in His Name. For more information on what happens during the week, stay tuned for our announcement on Monday!
There is a Sunday coming up first, though. As it is the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating the Lord’s Table as part of our service, which starts at 11am. If you are joining us via the livestream – please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org to request a link – you might like to get yourself organised with juice and some bread before the service starts. At Church everything will be provided, including a gluten free option if required.
The Easter choir will be rehearsing after the service and they are looking for more singers to join them! For more information, you are more than welcome to turn up on Sunday. If you won’t be there, but are still interested, please get in contact with Simone (simone.mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de).
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Monday, February 27th
Dear Church family and friends,
Just before we ‘March’ into a new month, there’s one last YABS meeting for February happening tomorrow (Tues 28th) at 7pm. To find out what’s happening and where, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
As for our mid-week Bible Study, that will take place as usual on Wednesday (1st March) at 7pm. The format of this Bible Study has changed to online only at least until the end of the current topic. You can get a link to the Zoom meeting by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org, and then you can turn your Bibles to Philippians in preparation. To get into the Philippians mood, why not give Johannes’ sermon on chapter 2, verses 9 to 11 a listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaLKEn23Rlo . It’s a not a pre-requisite, but might help to cover some ideas already looked at in case Wednesday evening is your first time of joining.
The prayer meeting at 8am on the same day will, however, meet in person only in the Prayer Room at the FTH facilities.
As Easter occurs toward the beginning of April we are already getting ahead with our preparations. Simone is looking to put together a choir that will perform during our services to mark the occasion. Here’s what she has to say:
„Dear congregation, four people have announced their willingness and ability to sing on Easter [9th April] (and Maundy Thursday [6th April, evening service at 7pm]). =) =) =)
That makes for a quartet, but we would like to have a choir! So we hope for people to join us… If you are able and willing, please contact Simone at simone.mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de as soon as possible! Practice sessions will start next Sunday [5th March] after the service.”
We hope that you will forgive us for the pun at the beginning of this update, but also that it brought a smile to your face. February might be a short month, but it can feel as though it drags with its dark evenings and grey weather – we are all looking forward to lighter and sunnier times! Have a blessed week!
Update for Friday, February 24th
Dear Church family and friends,
There are just a couple of things that we need to remind you of for this weekend:
Firstly, if you are a man you are more than welcome to come along to our Men’s Breakfast tomorrow (Saturday 25th) at 9:30am in the student kitchen of the FTH facilities. We will come together, cook and eat, and listen to a short devotional. Bring your self, an appetite, a Bible and some breakfast foods. So that we can have an idea of who will be there, could you please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org if you plan on coming?
11am on the following day – Sunday 26th – we will have our usual service at the FTH facilities and streamed online, where Johannes will be bringing God’s word to us. You can get a link to our livestream by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org.
As part of our spring cleaning efforts in Church, we would like to update and refresh the Church Directory. If you have recently moved, or your contact details have changed we’d be very grateful if you could let us know as soon as possible. Maybe you have only recently started to visit our Church and have not yet been placed on the Church Directory – this is your chance! Your information will be held by us only and not forwarded on without your permission beforehand. Just e-mail directory@ibc-giessen.org or get in touch with Philipp.
Have a great weekend!
Update for Monday, February 20th
Dear Church family and friends,
You can smell it in the air and just about feel it in the milder temperatures – spring is coming!
In the spirit of change and new beginnings that come with the change in season, we are happy to introduce a new chance to meet together during the week. For the early birds out there, Wednesdays at 8am in the prayer room at the FTH facilities will be the place to be for meeting and praying together as a Church. This is in addition to the evening Bible Study, which will again take place via Zoom only at 7pm on the same day. For a link to the evening Bible Study, or more information on the Morning Prayer group, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Of course, YABS (Young Adults’ Bible Study) will be taking place on Tuesday evening at 7pm. yabs@ibc-giessen.org is your go-to e-mail address to find out where they are meeting and what they will be up to.
On Saturday (25th) the men will be meeting for breakfast in the student kitchen at 9:30am. So, if you are a man and interested in coming, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org and tell us what you plan on bringing with you.
For those who may have missed the sermon on Sunday, or would like to listen again, here is your opportunity to do so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjsgaHg4cx8 . You can find a wide variety of different sermons on this YouTube channel, starting with those recorded at the very beginning of the pandemic – so you have plenty to choose from if you wish to catch-up with them.
With the first signs of spring, we naturally turn our attention to Easter. Those interested in singing in the Easter choir are reminded to get in touch with either Pastor Buddy, Simone, or write to office@ibc-giessen.org : rehearsals will be starting soon!
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, February 19th
Dear Church family and friends,
Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Pancake Day, Faschingsdienstag – however your culture names it, they are all the same day: the day before Lent. More often than not, this day is marked by over-indulgence before the forty days in which enjoying certain things is no longer allowed. Maybe this is where the world gets its view of a strict and authoritarian God from; whereas we know that that is far from the truth. God gives us the privilege of choice: give something up for Lent or not, it does not mean that God loves us any more or any less. It is our relationship to Him that counts more. A relationship only made possible because the Saviour, whose birth we celebrated at Christmas, chose to follow His Father’s calling and carry His cross and our sin, to die that we might live in communion with Him.
We also have the privilege of prayer – talking directly to and with God. In fact, there will be another opportunity to pray as part of our Church family with a new early-morning Prayer meeting starting this Wednesday (22nd) at 8am in the FTH.
Before we get to Wednesday, though, we have the joy of meeting together on Sunday. This week, we will be dedicating a baby during our service, affirming the parents and our commitment to this new child of God – that we will lift them up in prayer, help them and encourage them in their faith. To show your support, please join us at 11am on Sunday morning in the chapel of the FTH or online via a Zoom link which can be obtained by e-mailing office@ibc-giessen.org.
Our lives are full of blessings, big and small, and we have every reason to be thankful for everything that is given to us freely by God. Choose to recognise the everyday blessings this week – and choose to be appreciative that we have so much choice!
Update for Monday, February 13th
Dear Church family and friends,
Pastor Buddy re-visited the concept of time in his sermon on Sunday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24u0zMt5pKo) – but not in the sense of it being a measurement, rather an occurrence or moment. Think Mordecai’s “such a time as this” question to Queen Esther in Esther 4:14.
It is now ‘the time’ to start announcing our plans for Easter! We will be having our Maundy Thursday service at 7pm on the 6th April. Here, we will commemorate the life of Christ and remember the ultimate sacrifice that He made for us and our relationship with God: the taking of our sin with Him to His death on the cross.
Easter Sunday (9th April) sees the return of our Easter breakfast together as a Church family. This is for everyone, and we invite you to bring a dish to share. A Resurrection Sunday service will take place at the usual time of 11am, after the breakfast, with a performance by the Easter choir. Would you be interesting in singing with them? If so, please contact Pastor Buddy, Simone, or office @ibc-giessen.org and they’ll provide you with more information.
Has the mention of breakfast rung any alarm bells for any men reading this text? Good! You can look forward to your next morning gathering at the FTH student kitchen on Saturday 25th February.
On the menu this week at IBC Giessen are our small groups. YABS (Young Adults’ Bible Study) takes place on Tuesday evening, with a few different groups meeting in separate locations. To find out which group would suit you the best and where those meet-ups are, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
For a link to this week’s online only mid-week Bible Study on Philippians, you will need to write to office@ibc-giessen.org. This virtual get together will be on Wednesday at 7pm.
Lastly, our friends at the FEG in Talstrasse – around the corner from the FTH – will be holding a weekend of Bible Days based on the book of Romans this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (17th-19th). All events are in German only, as is the website you can look at for more information: https://www.feg-giessen.de/angebot/bibeltage/
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, February 12th
Dear Church family and friends,
Do you know what we haven’t had for a little while? A Worship Night. If you have time tomorrow (Saturday 11th) at 6pm, and are feeling spontaneous, you can join Johannes and a few others for a relaxed evening of singing and prayer in the chapel at the FTH. In case that’s a little too short notice for you, our next Worship Night will take place in a month’s time on Friday 10th March.
On Sunday at 11am, Pastor Buddy will continue his series on the life of Jesus, picking up in John 11. We will be livestreaming the service as usual – e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link – but those attending at the FTH are more than welcome to join us after the service for a time of fellowship in memory of a member of our Church family. Pizza and drinks will be provided – please do bring along some desserts and other snacks!
While we keep Pastor Buddy’s continued good recovery in our prayers, we do also acknowledge that there are others among us who are also unwell or facing difficulties. In particular we ask you to pray for a lady in our congregation who tested positive with coronavirus while still pregnant. Both mother and baby are still fighting the illness – we pray that God provides them the victory.
Regardless of whether the pandemic is over or not it is our duty to look after, help, and ultimately love one another. It’s never too late to start, and God always honours our efforts.
Update for Tuesday, February 7th
Dear Church family and friends,
We seem to have pressed “post” too soon on yesterday’s announcement:
Tomorrow’s Bible Study will be online only, not hybrid had been said initially. So, everyone will need a link! To get involved, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org.
We look forward to seeing you at 7pm – albeit on a computer screen – tomorrow!
Update for Monday, February 6th
Dear Church family and friends,
After Pastor Buddy’s sermon on Acts 2:42 and the connections he made to his recent time in hospital (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vWXVMPaLCY) as well as the successful Business Meeting, it is hard not to feel uplifted and encouraged in this new week. The return to good health of our Pastor and the overwhelming agreement regarding last year’s and this year’s budget – we know that God is for us and not against us!
On Tuesday, there will be two things happening at roughly the same time. YABS will be meeting at their usual time of 7pm and continuing their programme. To find out what that is and where it takes place, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
At the Baptistengemeinde, Marburgerstrasse (EFG), doors will be opening at 7pm for a 7:30pm start for a talk on LGBTQ and the gospel given by Prof. Dr. Christoph Raedel. This will be held in German only – for more information, please get in contact with office@ibc-giessen.org.
In Wednesday’s Bible Study we will be searching for the unusual in the book of Philippians. This is a joint Bible Study, taking place both online and at the FTH at 7pm. So grab your Bibles and join us as we dive into God’s Word! To join in via Zoom, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
Looking forward to next Sunday, we will be having fellowship after the service. Further details will be given in Friday’s update, but get thinking about some desserts or snacks that you could bring along to share!
Have a brilliant, blessed, week!
Update for Sunday, February 5th
Dear Church family and friends,
Finally February and the last announcement for the Business Meeting this Sunday!
As you may be aware of by now, we are meeting after the service to take a slightly more detailed look at the finances and the proposed budget for this coming year. For members, there will be an opportunity to vote on this topic – but all are welcome to come and listen to what is said. It is part of our Church’s constitution to hold such a meeting once a year. Our livestream this Sunday will remain broadcasting after the service is over to accommodate anyone not able to come to the FTH, but still looking to attend the meeting.
The service itself starts at 11am; with Communion being celebrated as it is the first Sunday of the month. If you are joining us via the livestream, then it might be good to prepare some bread and juice to take along with us. For a link, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org. We are also looking forward to welcoming our Pastor back to Church this week, after his recent health issues. As he is still on the mend we need to keep him and his family in our prayers, but we are thankful for the recovery he has made so far and that he feels well enough to deliver a sermon during our service.
It will be a busy Sunday, but a good one – we look forward to seeing you either at the FTH or online!
Update for Monday, January 30th
Dear Church family and friends,
In our announcement for Sunday, we observed that our attempts to understand or organise the concept of time can be humbling. Since then we have (re-)learnt that technology has the same effect – just when you think you have it figured out, something else goes awry. Our livestream was hit with bandwidth problems just as we sorted out the audio issues, resulting in a very broken and frozen broadcast and recording. Unfortunately, this means we cannot provide a recording of Johannes’ sermon on Philippians 2:5-8 – on the subject of humility…
To join the last YABS of January, you can e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org and find out which groups are meeting where. All groups meet at 7pm on Tuesday evenings.
Concerning the return of the mid-week Bible Study, currently the plan is an online only meet-up on Wednesday (1st February) at 7pm. To take part you can e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for an invitation link. Should the meeting be cancelled, we will announce it on our website. You can find all updates here: http://www.ibc-giessen.org/church-news-and-updates.
Heading into February, we’d like to remind you of our Business Meeting after the service this coming Sunday (5th) and the lecture on LGBTQ+ and the gospel taking place in the Baptistengemeinde, Marburgerstrasse on the 7th. If you’d like more information on either of these, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
With the end of January, we are past the “new” stage of the year. Nevertheless, we know that God has the power to make all things news, regardless of when and where. If you are still waiting for a renewal, fresh start, or simply a change to the normal, we pray that God provides that for you in this upcoming new month.
Update for Sunday, January 29th
Dear Church family and friends,
No matter our age, time somehow remains a mystery. When we are waiting for something to happen or something dreadful has occurred, time can drag – yet it rushes by if we’re having fun or we are deeply involved in a task or project. Deadlines can suddenly appear that we had known about for months and sometimes a 5 minute task can take 5 hours. Trying to manage our time can be a truly humbling experience, especially when we have to take into consideration the action and priorities of other people. Often the phrase ‘God’s timing is perfect’ can cause frustration, but it holds true. David shows his trust in our Creator by saying:
“My times are in your hands” Psalm 31:15
Whether this week has felt long or short to you, if it has gone how you imagined it to or not, we have arrived again at Sunday, the Lord’s Day – a day when we can meet up, share with one another, worship together and listen to His Word. We will be doing all that during our service at 11am at the FTH facilities, with Johannes continuing his Philippians series. You can even be part of our service online, should you be at home ill or too far away to make it in time – all you need to do is write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
Lastly, with the end of January approaching we’d like to remind you of some events coming up in February, starting with our Business Meeting next week (5th February) after the service. We will be discussing the budget, reflecting on the last year and praying for our Church and its development in this coming year.
Two days after that, on Tuesday 7th February, the EFG will be holding a talk on LGBTQ and the gospel. The doors at the Baptistengemeinde Marburgerstrasse will open at 7pm, but Prof. Dr. Christoph Raedel – a lecturer at the FTH – will be speaking on this topic from 7:30pm, in German only.
If you have questions about either of the last two items mentioned, or anything else related to our Church, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Tuesday, January 24th
Dear Church family and friends,
For the past couple of weeks we have been reminding you that our mid-week Bible Study will be starting on the 25th January, which would be this coming Wednesday (tomorrow). In light of the ongoing recovery of our Pastor, the decision has been taken to postpone these mid-week sessions until he is fit enough to lead them. We are sorry for any disappointment this may have caused, and hope that you are able to join us when the Bible Study does start up again. In the meantime, you might like to catch-up with Harri’s sermon from Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21e1NrJIbFA
What will happen with the Men’s Breakfast is as yet unclear. The plan remains to meet at 9am on Saturday 28th January in the student kitchen at the FTH, but we are looking for someone who is willing and able to organise and lead in Pastor Buddy’s place. Could you be that man of the moment? If so, please get in contact with us via office@ibc-giessen.org!
YABS will still meet this evening (Tuesday) at 7pm. To find out where, please write to yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
Our Business Meeting after the service on 5th February will definitely be taking place. We are looking forward to seeing as many attendees as possible, as we talk about and pray over the direction and plans we have for our Church this coming year. As previously mentioned, you are only eligible to vote if you are a member – but anyone can come and sit, listen and ask questions in the meeting. If you are interested in becoming a member, though, please talk to Johannes or write to office@ibc-giessen.org .
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, January 22nd
Dear Church family and friends,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
It’s good to be reminded of this year’s verse of the year for our Church. We are pleased to report that Pastor Buddy will be released from hospital feeling better after some medical intervention, and that he feels uplifted and encouraged by our and your prayers for him. As always, we are thankful for the level of devotion that our fellowship has for one another and the running of the Church.
One such act of devotion is Harri stepping in to preach God’s Word for us this Sunday. Our service will start at the usual time of 11am in the FTH facilities, with the livestream running alongside for those who cannot attend in person. If you would like to join us virtually, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Perhaps you have been visiting our Church for a while and would like to get involved or have an idea on how you could use your talents and experience to serve with us. The Business Meeting on 5th February is a good opportunity to discuss any suggestions that you may have, so feel free to join us after the service in two weeks’ time. If you don’t want to wait so long, or fear that you may have forgotten your idea by then, you can get in contact with us by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org . You do not need to be a member of our Church to serve or take part in our Business Meeting. Should you be interested in becoming a member, though, please talk to Johannes or e-mail the address given above.
Thank you for your prayers until this point – we would appreciate if they could continue while our Pastor is still on the road to complete recovery, and while we as IBC Giessen navigate the next few weeks. Be blessed as we are, safe in the knowledge that God is listening to our concerns and requests.
Be blessed as we are, safe in the knowledge that God is listening to our concerns and requests.
See you on Sunday!
Update for Monday, January 16th
Dear Church family and friends,
While Pastor Buddy is in hospital, we will try our best to continue with Church life as much as we can. This will mean that there will be a different preacher for a short time, starting with Johannes preaching during yesterday’s service (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyzGbLud29Y).
Of course, YABS will be going ahead this week, meeting on their usual day and time of Tuesday at 7pm. If you would like more information, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giesssen.org
A little further off, we are looking to re-start the monthly Men’s Breakfast. Traditionally held on the 4th Saturday of the month, the men’s first breakfast together since lockdown will be on Saturday 28th January 2023 at 9am in the student kitchen. All men who are interested in joining the group should bring something tasty!
Looking to February, we will be having our Business Meeting after the service on the 5th, as previously mentioned. We must announce this a couple of weeks in advance to be in compliance with our Church constitution. All are welcome to join us as we discuss Church matters, but only members are eligible to vote when the opportunity arises. It is a good time to get to know the Church better as we look back on the last year and plan for the year ahead with His guidance.
Remaining on the topic of formalities, we would like to remind all members and regular visitors of our Church to update their contact details – especially if they have recently moved. Please could you send any changes of address to office@ibc-giessen.org or talk to Philipp the next time you see him in Church.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Raedel – a lecturer at the FTH, where we meet – will be holding a lecture on “The Gospel and Sexual Orientation” in the EFG Giessen (Baptistengemeinde, Marburgerstrasse) on Tuesday 7th February 2023 at 7:30pm. What can be a sensitive yet hotly debated topic will be discussed by Professor Raedel in German only.
Please join us as we pray for the continued recovery of our Pastor and for the well-being of his family at this time as they await further developments. We should mention that it is not an emergency situation. Nevertheless, we pray that God the Healer and Comforter will do what we know He can do.
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, January 15th
Dear Church family and friends,
It’s the middle of January already! We are making our way into the New Year nicely, yet are still at its beginning. Whether you feel that it has gone quickly or slowly: progress is progress.
Johannes will be moving us forward in his series on Philippians this Sunday, when he will preach on chapter 2, verses 3 and 4 of the book. You can listen to this next instalment by being part of our congregation on Sunday morning at 11am, in the FTH facilities. Watching our livestream is also an option, should you be ill or unable to make it for any other reason: just e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Monday, January 9th
Dear Church family and friends,
Among the announcements made in Sunday’s service, two items that are happening in February were mentioned: a lecture in the FEG given by a professor at the FTH, and our Business Meeting. As we have barely made it to the middle of January, it seems a little early to go into any great detail on those yet. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you informed!
For the moment let’s focus on this week, starting with the link to Pastor Buddy’s sermon from yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzFG74Ij-qA
As mentioned last week, this week we are hosting an Allianz-Gebetswoche (Prayer Week) service at the FTH facilities on Thursday at 7:30pm. All services and meetings taking part in the Gebetswoche will be held in German, as is the website on which you can find all the details (https://ev-allianz-giessen.de/allianz-gebetswoche-2023/) . Even if you are not so comfortable speaking German, all are welcome to join and fellowship with other Christians in the area.
While the mid-week Bible Study is still on its break until the 25th January, YABS are continuing to meet on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. There’s a time to talk, pray for one another and learn from God’s teachings. YABS meets in a few smaller sized groups; to find one that suits you, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org
Even though many have already returned to work and their day-to-day lives, for some this week may feel like the ‘proper’ first week of January as they head back to school. Go with God’s blessings in this new week, and make the most of all opportunities to learn from Him!
Update for Sunday, January 8th
Dear Church family and friends,
Family is often the focus of Christmas celebrations. If you can, you meet with your wider family and spend time in each other’s company over the festive period. It seems to be something we make a particular point of at Christmas – a reminder that we are all part of something wider than our own individual households. At church we can sometimes forget that we are part of a larger family too. So concentrated on our own events and ways of doing things that we can run the risk of creating our own “island”, with other churches being foreign lands. One way of re-connecting with other Christian communities is via the Allianz Gebetswoche which will be happening this week. There will be several different services – held in German – shared among the various churches in the Giessen Allianz this coming week. In fact, IBC Giessen will be hosting a service on Thursday 12th January, at 7:30pm at the FTH facilities. Each day corresponds to the overall theme of joy. For more information, please visit this website https://ev-allianz-giessen.de/allianz-gebetswoche-2023/ , which, again, is in German only.
As followers of Christ we are told to break bread and drink wine together in commemoration of what Jesus had done at the Passover meal before his crucifixion. By partaking in this together, we also join our brothers and sisters across the globe as they remember His sacrifice in our name. This Sunday will be the first Lord’s Table of 2023 at IBC Giessen: using juice rather than wine, with a gluten free option for the bread available on request. Whether you have visited our Church many times, or this Sunday will be your first, then so long as you know Jesus Christ to be your saviour, you are more than welcome to take part in this act of worship and remembrance with us. Our Church service starts at 11am and is held in the Kapelle of the FTH facilities. If you can’t make it, be sure to gather some juice and bread for yourself and be part of our virtual congregation. For a link to our livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
It is encouraging and comforting to know that beyond the four walls of our Church building, there are others worshipping, praising and praying. Let us revel in that encouragement and pass it on by praying for, and fellowshipping with, others!
Update for Monday, January 2nd
Dear Church family and friends,
Happy New Year one and all! If you have managed to get some more time off before heading back to work or school, we are happy for you and pray that you use that time well, whether that means getting some things sorted for the year ahead or just enjoying the holiday feeling a little longer. Should you have already re-started work, then we pray that re-entry into day-to-day life hasn’t been too difficult. There are of course some who must work through Christmas and New Year. We are thankful for your service and your sacrifice.
On Sunday (New Year’s Day) Pastor Buddy continued looking at the Christmas story, specifically, what happened after Jesus’ birth and Simeon’s part in it. This sermon will be continued next week with particular focus on the others involved. To listen to the first part, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWuSVe4TAs0
While our mid-week Bible Study may not start until the 25th January, YABS will be meeting this week. If you would like to join them tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd January) at 7pm, you can write to yabs@ibc-giessen.org to find out what they are up to and where they will meet.
During the service on Sunday, Pastor Buddy introduced us to the Church’s verse of the year. He also set us a challenge: each day in 2023, at two minutes past an hour of your choosing, read, pray and meditate on the following verse.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42
Let’s set ourselves up for a better knowledge and relationship with God this year!
Update for Sunday, January 1st
Dear Church family and friends,
The old year is slowly ending – it is strange to think that our Christmas Day service was the last for 2022! 2023, however, starts on Sunday and we will be meeting as usual, starting the year properly: together, listening to God’s Word and praising Him.
Should you still be celebrating with family and friends away from Giessen and therefore unable to make it to the FTH facilities, we hope that you are having a brilliant time. To have a feeling of “home away from home”, you can join us on our livestream at the usual time of 11am. Please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link to watch along.
While it’s still in the correct season – Christmas doesn’t ‘end’ until the 6th January – perhaps you would like to re-listen to Pastor Buddy’s sermon from Christmas Day. It can be found, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2OZ9QlqD80
We wish you all a very happy and Blessed New Year!
Update for Friday, December 23rd
Dear Church family and friends,
The four candles of Advent have been lit – the countdown is over! We will be lighting the fifth candle during our Christmas Eve service on Saturday at 5pm to commemorate the coming of the Light of the World. Traditionally, we then pass that light around the congregation and carry our own candles. This year, however, we have been asked not to use real candles, so we shall have to make some adaptations. The children, as always, will receive glow-sticks to use at the beginning of the service. We ask that the adults either use the torch/flashlight function on their phones, bring an actual torch/flashlight, or perhaps an LED candle, so that we can still light up the room.
As Christmas Day is a Sunday, we will have our regular service at the usual time of 11am. Our celebrations will continue with Christmas songs and hearing His Word.
Both services will be livestreamed – please write to the usual address (office@ibc-giessen.org) to get hold of the links.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Update for Monday, December 19th
Dear Church family and friends,
What with the wonderful performance of the Cantata and exciting Birthday Party for Jesus on Sunday, we are definitely looking forward to Christmas with our services on Christmas Eve (5pm) and Christmas Day (11am)!
After the choir had sung, Pastor Buddy gave a small sermonette on Isaiah 12: 1-6. If you missed it and would like to listen to it, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYxNoRshgyo
The mid-week Bible Study is currently taking a break until the end of January, but YABS will be taking place this week, before pausing for a Christmas break. For more information about what they will be up to and where they are meeting, we suggest you write an e-mail to either yabs@ibc-giessen.org or office@ibc-giessen.org
In this final week of Advent, we are praying that you are not becoming overwhelmed by your preparations – and that you remember the background for the traditions and celebrations that you are getting ready or participating in. Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, December 18th
Dear Church family and friends,
With only a few days left until the Christmas holidays, what better way to get your children in the spirit than inviting them to a party – a birthday party, that is! To celebrate the birth of our Saviour, the children will be meeting up during the service and share party food, games and surprises. It will certainly be lots of fun, so make sure your children are suited and booted for 11am!
While the children are partying, the adults will be enjoying the long-awaited for Christmas Cantata performance. The choir have been rehearsing for weeks and would love to see a large audience, so don’t forget to bring a friend! Afterward we will serve tea, coffee and other drinks, and you are invited not only to participate, but bring cookies and snacks to share with everyone.
Both events will take part during our service on Sunday at 11am at the FTH facilities, with the service and Cantata performance being livestreamed for those unable to be there. If you would like to join the livestream, please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org and we will send you the link.
We wish you a blessed last weekend of Advent!
Update for Wednesday, December 14th
Dear Church family and friends,
Since it might be dangerous to drive due to icy roads tomorrow (Wednesday), our mid-week Bible Study will be online only. Our last meeting of the year will start at the usual time of 7pm, to join-in or ask any questions, please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
Keep warm and stay safe – we look forward to seeing you via Zoom tomorrow evening!
Update for Monday, December 12th
Dear Church family and friends,
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – or at least the ones they show in the films! Freezing temperatures and snow covered rooftops; people bundled up warm in thick coats and woolly accessories. “There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, but the wrong clothing”. While such conditions may not depict the weather of the first Christmas, the warmth and comfort of being wrapped up warm against the cold could considered a parallel or metaphor for God’s love for us. In a world so difficult, confusing and sometimes hurtful, God says “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:5).
Pastor Buddy’s sermon this Sunday delved further into His love, and its relevancy to us this Christmastime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkKa0ZYM3Xw
As it stands, our YABS and mid-week Bible Studies are going ahead. For more information on YABS, please contact yabs@ibc-giessen.org. On Wednesday evening at 7pm, our Bible Study on Psalm 23 continues with an online as well as an in-person meet up – we will let you know should this change to online only. If you already know that you won’t be able to make it to the Israel Room at the FTH on time, you can already get the link to the Zoom meeting by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org
You can keep up-to-date with any changes in our services or Bible Studies by following us on Facebook (search for IBC Giessen), reading our website, or by joining our mailing list. If you would like to do the latter, or if you have any further questions about anything relating to our Church, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Stay safe and keep warm this coming week! Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, December 11th
Dear Church family and friends,
Around the Third Sunday Advent Sunday, panic sets in. The last two weeks seem to have flown by and we’re not as completely organised and sorted for Christmas as we wanted. Before we know it, it’ll be the Christmas Eve 5pm service.
Christmas will come, whether we are ‘ready’ or not. After all, it is not about the traditions that we have, but why we have them in the first place: to celebrate the birth of a King, God’s Word became flesh. A promise fulfilled. Take some time away from the presents, baking, decorating and cleaning this Sunday at 11am to re-centre those activities on their purpose – the true reason for the season. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the FTH facilities, as usual we will be livestreaming the service! Please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Monday, December 5th
Dear Church family and friends,
Food is a good way to draw people in – for example having cookies at the end of the service – and giving someone something to eat can be an excellent act of service. A couple at our Church will be welcoming their third child very soon and, already having two active boys, we are sure that they would be appreciative of the offer of some cooked meals to save them the hassle of preparing food as the new-born gets settled into the family. If you feel able to provide a hot meal, please write to Priska at office@ibc-giessen.org , who will be able to tell you all that you need to know.
Contrary to what was announced last week, it was Pastor Buddy who preached on hope this Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCGqvDzS9As . Johannes unfortunately was taken ill – and we pray for his swift, complete, recovery.
Lastly, we have our Bible Studies! There’s Young Adults’ Bible Study (YABS) on Tuesday at 7pm. Your contact if you’d like to join in is yabs@ibc-giessen.org.
For our joint mid-week Bible Study on Psalm 23, you can either come along to the Israel Room at the FTH facilities – or online – on Wednesday evening at 7pm. For any further questions and the link to the Zoom meeting, you are more than welcome to write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, December 4th
Dear Church family and friends,
As good as the dictionary is, for some words, a couple of lines of definition really doesn’t cover everything that that word might represent – especially when it comes to emotive or non-palpable terms, which can be experienced in a different way among a variety of different people. Lines can also become blurred between closely linked words, and they then become a matter of interpretation.
One such complicated word is “hope”. We use it easily nowadays – “we hope you join us on Sunday at 11am at the FTH facilities!” – although its concept is so much bigger. In last week’s sermon, Pastor Buddy talked about anticipation; this week Johannes will preach on hope, a central element of faith. Please do join us at the afore-mentioned time, as we delve deeper into hope and its relationship to this Advent season.
We are aware that there are several colds and flus going around, as well as the coronavirus. Therefore, we kindly ask you not to come to our Church service if you are feeling unwell. Instead, you can be part of our online congregation via Zoom. To get the link, or if you have any further questions about our services at all, please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Monday, November 28th
Dear Church family and friends,
The beautifully laid tables, the spread of food and encouraging testimony of one of our own ladies – oh how glad we are that we could have a Women’s Christmas Brunch this past Saturday! If you were paying attention to how the front of the stage was decorated for Sunday morning’s Church service, something in the picture above might be familiar to you…
Our next special event will be the Christmas Cantata on the 18th December, so there’s a while to wait yet. For this week, though, we will be having our usual Young Adult and mid-week Bible Studies meeting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively. For more information on YABS we recommend that you e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org directly and ask where they are meeting and at what time. The mixed mid-week Bible Study, however, will be held in a hybrid way, with those unable to get to the FTH for 7pm being able to take part via Zoom. For a link to the meeting, or if you have any other questions, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org
We pray that you are having a blessed first week of Advent!
Update for Sunday, November 27th
Dear Church family and friends,
Anticipation and then realisation, preparation and then the main event – life is full of these moments, but we are most keenly aware of the period of waiting and wanting at Advent. The lead up to Christmas: the countdown to something life-changing.
What exactly are we waiting for, though? The present under the tree? A warm-and-fuzzy feeling? Or perhaps something less temporary in our lives? The expectations on that first Christmas were also huge: they were looking for a king in battle armour, arriving triumphantly, probably in a chariot or some other imposing mode of transportation. What they got, however, was a baby, wrapped in cloth, laid in an animal’s feeding trough. Maybe what you get isn’t what you want, but what you need.
Let us search together through Advent for what it is that we need. You can join us each Sunday at 11am at the FTH facilities or online via Zoom – for this week’s Zoom link, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org – where we will light the advent wreath, sing songs and listen to God’s Word.
What are you looking for this season? We look forward to helping you in your search this Sunday (27th)!
Update for Monday, November 21st
Dear Church family and friends,
Off the back of Johannes’ sermon about unity and harmony – which you can listen to again, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i49FZ0E-TGw – we’d like to offer some opportunities to put that into practise in Church this week!
Our Young Adults’ Bible Study (YABS) will be meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) in their different groups beginning at 7pm. To find out where and what they’ll be doing, e-mailing yabs@ibc-giessen.org will provide you an answer.
This week, Wednesday’s Bible Study will be held online as well as live from the Israel Room at the FTH at 7pm. If you need a link, then please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org. Otherwise, you’ll need a Bible and a desire to dig deeper into Psalm 23.
If you are a woman and have not yet signed up to this Saturday’s Christmas Brunch, you have not completely missed your chance! While there are no more Sundays to write on the sheet, you can drop an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org and tell us that you would like to attend. Contributions to the buffet are welcome! If you’d like to know what to bring – or what we already have plenty of – don’t be afraid to ask!
The Brunch itself will take place this coming Saturday (26th) at 10am in the FTH facilities.
We look forward to spending more time with our Church family this week!
Update for Sunday, November 20th
Dear Church family and friends,
One more Sunday to go and then we’re back to lighting candles, putting on special events and counting down the days until the promised King arrives. The First Advent Sunday marks the beginning of the Church year – but before we get too ahead of ourselves, we have this coming Sunday’s service to think about. Starting as always at 11am at the FTH facilities, you are invited to join us live or via the livestream – please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link – and worship God as we give thanks for all that He has given us and aided us through.
As mentioned, there are some special dates coming up. The closest to us is the Women’s Christmas Brunch on Saturday 26th November at 10am. There will be a sign-up sheet at Church this Sunday, so, even if you are unsure what you would like to bring with you, ladies, please put your name somewhere on the paper; that way you will definitely have a seat waiting for you! If you won’t be at Church on Sunday, but would still like to come to the brunch, please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org and we will forward your name to the appropriate place.
Beyond that, there will be a Christmas Cantata service on the 18th December, which will be followed by an opportunity to bring and share Christmas cookies with one another. It will be a great time of fellowship and catching up with each other, as well as talking about how good the choir was!
There will be another chance to talk and be with one another after the Christmas Eve service. Held in the evening at 5pm, the service takes around an hour and will be followed by a finger food buffet. We invite all planning on coming to contribute something to the buffet which does not need warming up to be enjoyed.
It is odd to finish the Church year in November – it is however, wonderful, that the new Church year starts with anticipation and hope of a promise fulfilled!
Update for Monday, November 14th
Dear Church family and friends,
After the schedule change on Sunday, the challenges just kept coming – but we faced every one of them knowing that our strength to do so comes from God, and that He deserves our very best efforts.
One of these difficulties had to do with Zoom and the recording of the sermon. As a result, we unfortunately cannot provide a recorded version of what Kennedy had to say to us. The issue also affected the livestream, which after a momentary pause did manage to continue. We are confident that this is a one-off problem and will continue livestreaming and recording future services.
In fact, we will be having our mid-week Bible Study via Zoom only this week. Pastor Buddy will continue leading us in our reading and consideration of Psalm 23 and looks forward to people joining him virtually from 7pm on Wednesday evening. To be part of the (joint Men’s and Women’s) Bible Study, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
YABS (Young Adult Bible Study) will meet this week, too, in their various groups. If you would like to be part of a group, or to find out more about YABS, please e-mail yabs@ibc-giessen.org for more information. Usually, all groups meet at 7pm on a Tuesday evening.
Last, but by no means least, it still isn’t too late to join the Christmas choir – especially if you are a man! Rehearsals are being held on Sundays after the Church service and Simone would be very appreciative if some brave male voices were to take part. The ability to read music is not essential, just motivation and willingness to participate. To show your interest either write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org, or turn up ready to sing after the service this coming Sunday.
Whatever difficulties you face this week limitless opportunities given by God’s grace to stand up, shake yourself off, and try again. Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, November 13th
Dear Church family and friends,
We can make our plans, but often God has other ideas.
In recent weeks we have mentioned that this coming Sunday would be a concert-service given by the pianist Theresa Walters. Unfortunately she has tested positive for COVID and is therefore unable to perform live at the FTH. While we try to re-schedule this event, please join us in prayer for her swift and full recovery.
A Church service will still be taking place on Sunday, though! Please do join our congregation at 11am for worship, prayer and His Word. If you cannot join us physically – perhaps you too are unwell – then you can send an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org and watch via our livestream.
Perhaps, as we kept our distance over the last couple of years, it seems that now more people are getting sick from other illnesses as well as coronavirus. The message from the beginning of the pandemic remains: stay safe, stay healthy and look after yourselves and each other.
Update for Monday, November 7th
Dear Church family and friends,
The link for yesterday’s sermon is already up and ready to be listened to, in case you missed it. Just click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czM2rTyuhr0
Now that Sunday’s over, what’s happening during the week?
Tomorrow (Tuesday 8th November) Young Adult Bible Study (YABS) will be having an all-groups-together gathering in the student lounge of the FTH. Starting with dinner at 7pm, it will be a good time of fellowship and encouragement. If you’ve been thinking about going to YABS but haven’t quite made that step, tomorrow’s meet up is a great opportunity to meet everybody and get to know what YABS is all about. So that they can plan a little better, it might be worth dropping an e-mail to YABS@ibc-giessen.org to say that you’ll be there.
Wednesday (9th) sees the return of our mid-week Bible Study. This time, both men and women will meet together and take an in-depth look at Psalm 23. Again, it’s a 7pm start time at the FTH facilities, but there is an option to join in via Zoom if you cannot get there in time. For a link, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org
Church doesn’t just happen on Sunday – we’re here all week!
Update for Sunday, November 6th
Dear Church family and friends,
In last week’s sermon, we were re-directed on our journey through Jesus’ life from the book of Luke to the book of John. In chapter 11, verses one to seven, sisters Mary and Martha send the news to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, is sick. The story continues this week with Jesus ultimately deciding to go to him, despite the disciples concerns (verses 8-16).
Of course, Jesus’ attempts to reassure his disciples also provide a lesson or reminder for us in our own walk with Christ. So, we invite you to our service this Sunday at 11am at the FTH facilities or online – please write to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link to our Zoom livestream – to listen to God’s Word and open your ears, minds and hearts to what He has to say.
Perhaps the more alert among us may have noticed what the next chapter and event in the book of Luke would have been had we continued in that way: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, before he is betrayed, disowned, put on trial and then crucified. In other words, what we commemorate at Easter. In our focus passage for this week, however, one of Jesus’ responses more appropriately fits the season we are currently approaching…
See you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, November 2nd
Dear Church family and friends,
November has arrived and that means our next mid-week Bible Study is only one week away. Both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will be combined to look through Psalm 23 from next Wednesday at 7pm.
Until then, you might want to catch up on a few recent sermons from IBC Giessen:
16th October : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dgWMrBla4U
23rd October : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9kIQgTHviI
Lastly, we’d like to remind you of our upcoming Worship Night. We’ll have an evening of praise, prayer and music this coming Friday (4th November) at 7:30pm at the FTH facilities. It would be brilliant if we could fill the room with voices singing of God’s goodness!
There are quite a few events coming up in the next months here at IBC Giessen. We pray that God will keep you safe and healthy so that you can join us in our worship to Him. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Update for Sunday, October 30th
Dear Church family and friends,
As things get busier again, it would be useful to have a few more hours in the day – and this Sunday we reach that day in the year when we are given just that, albeit only one hour. The clocks will go back an hour early on Sunday morning, so whether you choose to get some extra sleep or wake up early and get going we hope that you enjoy the extra time!
The Church service will, of course, take place at 11am at the FTH facilities, with a livestream for those unable to make it. Please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link to the online service.
After the service, the Christmas choir will start their rehearsals. Interested in taking part, but forgot to get in contact? It’s not too late! Simone looks forward to seeing and singing with you on Sunday at about 12:30.
Something else to look forward to is our next Worship Night this coming Friday (4th November). A time to come together and sing His praises, worship Him and thank Him for all that He gave and gives to us: we look forward to seeing you at the FTH facilities at 7:30pm.
We pray that you are being kept safe from any of the illnesses that are going around at the moment. If you are unwell – we encourage you to stay at home – but we will pray for your quick recovery. Look after yourselves and be blessed!
Update for Wednesday, October 26th
Dear Church family and friends,
This mid-week message has a musical motif!
We would like to invite you to our next Worship Night, which will be held on 4th November at 7:30pm at the FTH facilities. Come and join us as we praise the Lord together in song.
Also, we would like to reminder you that we will be having a Christmas Cantata again this year – and we need singers to make it happen! It doesn’t matter if you can read music, or have had any choir experience; you just need to be able to commit to rehearsals after Church on Sundays, starting this Sunday, the 30th October. For more information please contact Simone (Simone.Mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de).
Have a blessed rest of the week!
Update for Sunday, October 23rd
Dear Church family and friends,
In our last announcement we highlighted several events that we’ll be having at Church in the run up to Christmas. On one side, it still feels very early to be talking about Christmas; on the other, we are at the end of October and the children are now off school for a week – so Christmas and the end of the year seem worryingly close! Maybe you are looking at your already over full schedule, or your metres-long to-do list and are wondering how you are going to manage. Before you become overwhelmed though, we invite you to take a moment, pause, and rest.
Church can be a place full of activity, but it’s also a place to meet with God and others to get the energy, comfort and support that we need to keep on going in our day-to-day lives. So take some time to visit us this Sunday at 11am – either online or at the FTH facilities – and re-focus on what’s really important. Should you need a link for the livestream, all you need to do is write a quick e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
We hope that the children and parents among us have an enjoyable week away from school. For everyone else, we pray that this week does not overwhelm you, and that you find some time to stop and reflect on the goodness of God.
Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, October 16th
Dear Church family and friends,
Grab your diaries and calendars – as IBC Giessen starts its run up to Christmas, there are a few dates to take note of:
Firstly, the Christmas Cantata is back and needs some singers! If you are interested in joining them for a performance in December, or if you would generally like more information, please contact Simone M. (Simone.Mueller@bot2.bio.uni-giessen.de). Rehearsals start after the service on 30th October.
Remaining on a musical theme – on Sunday 13th November, we are doing something a little different during our worship service by having a concert given by Teresa Walters.
Another returning event is the Women’s Christmas Brunch, which will be held on its traditional spot of the Saturday before 1st Advent (26th November). We would love to see as many ladies there as possible – as well as lots of food! If you’d like to attend, we ask that you write to office@ibc-giessen.org.
This Sunday (16th October) though, it’s business as usual with Pastor Buddy returning to the pulpit. We are also looking forward to meeting lots of first year students from the different universities in Giessen – including the FTH. So, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at 11am at the FTH facilities. In case you cannot physically attend, you are more than welcome to be part of our online congregation; just write to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
There’s some wonderful things coming up – we look forward to sharing these events with you!
Update for Sunday, October 9th
Dear Church family and friends,
In a way, autumn isn’t so different from spring: they both have a palette of colours that only the Creator Himself could mix up. Spring’s burst of colour brings us hope – shouldn’t autumn’s do the same? Perhaps that’s why some people get a sense of renewal or beginning in autumn; or maybe it has something to do with the engrained habit of starting a new school, college or university year…
There’s something afoot in IBC Giessen this Sunday. As we announced last week, Johannes has started his new role in the Church, but this week he and his wife Anne will be officially welcomed. Not only that, but he will also be bringing us the Word of God.
Sadly, we will also be bidding farewell to two families as well this week. Andi has finished his master’s degree and he and his family will be returning to their home church, where he we will take the position of Pastor. Ben and his family, however, have already moved but will return for one last Sunday. He too has taken a Pastor’s position at a Church. Valuable teachers in the children’s and teen’s groups, with Andi also taking over as treasurer, we will miss their contributions not only to those ministries but the love and encouragement they give to our Church family as a whole.
We will be saying these “hellos” and “see you laters” on Sunday morning at 11am at the FTH facilities. If you are ill or otherwise unable to join us, we have a livestream that you can watch. To access the livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
Be blessed this week! Enjoy the more bearable temperatures of autumn – get out and marvel at His creation!
Update for Sunday, October 2nd
Dear Church family and friends,
The weekly announcements are back – and we bring news with us!
While he is a known name and face in our Church, we are delighted this week to welcome Johannes A. back into the family as part-time assistant pastor. He has already been organising the summer services and will be taking on more tasks as time goes on, helping us to grow and develop as a family in and of God. Let’s pray for him and his wife, Anne, as Johannes starts this new chapter!
Another returnee will be bringing us the Word of God during this Sunday’s sermon; Harri and his family have been back in Germany for a while now, and this will be his first time preaching since their move back. To listen to what he has to say, we would love to see you at the FTH facilities at 11am on Sunday morning, or via the livestream at the same time. Please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org should you need a link to the livestream.
In case you didn’t know already, there’s another Bank Holiday just around the corner. On Monday (3rd October) all shops, schools and offices will be closed to celebrate the reunification of Germany. We hope you enjoy this last long weekend of the year! Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, September 11th
Dear Church family and friends,
For months we have watched buildings being torn down and new ones being built in the FTH premises; waiting and wondering whether it’s our turn to move in. Well, now it is! This Sunday we will be meeting in the new building to the right of the grounds – next door to the “old” building. We will be meeting in a new, slightly larger sanctuary on the ground floor, making it accessible to all.
Of course, with any change there may be some teething problems, especially in regards to technology. We do still hope to livestream our services, but we might need to experiment with new solutions and procedures to get the best audio for both online viewers and those in the congregation. Please be patient with us! For a link to the (11th September) livestream, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org
Completely un-related to this transition, these weekly announcements will be taking a break for a couple of weeks. There’s nothing to worry about – the writers just need a rest! We do not expect there to be any changes in the date or times of the service; they are always on Sunday morning at 11am.
For links for the next two Sundays’ livestreams (18th and 25th), or if you have any other questions, please contact Johannes.
Until the next announcement – scheduled for the first service in October – lend a listening ear to the three guest speakers (Daniel, Felix and Lucas respectively), be kind to one another, stay safe and be blessed!
Update for Sunday, September 4th
Dear Church family and friends,
When a month starts on a Monday, the following Sundays in that month are divisible by seven. The upside to this is that it makes talking about and organising events at Church a little easier; the downside is that it seems to make the month go by quickly. For the month of August, which has just finished, this is particularly sad for the school children and teachers among us, as it means that their summer holidays have flown by too. We pray that you have had a good rest, embraced the change of schedule and made some brilliant memories in this time.
While September has started, it isn’t actually autumn until the 23rd – so there are a few weeks of summer sunshine still to go! Not only that, but our Summer Guest Speaker series continues with Johannes this week. Make sure to join us at 11am on Sunday either at the FTH facilities or on the livestream to hear what he has to say. You can get a link to the livestream by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org
As the new school year starts on Monday, we pray for all those involved in educating, mentoring, maintaining school buildings – and those who are learning! May your school year be less complicated than the last one; and may God give you enough strength and determination to keep going in tough situations.
Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, August 28th
Dear Church family and friends,
Going that extra mile is something that we all do from time to time – especially if we feel that the subject of our efforts is particularly worth it. We might look for ways to make our loved ones more happy; our work more pleasing to our superiors, or just stand out more from the crowd. In Mark 10, verses 17 to 22 we see that Jesus has some advice to a man who also wants apply himself more and go further in his attempts at inheriting eternal life.
Kennedy will be looking into Jesus’ response in his sermon this Sunday, and will investigate what holds us back in our relationship with Jesus. You can listen in online – a livestream link can be acquired by writing to office@ibc-giessen.org – or be part of our congregation at the FTH at 11am.
Until then, let’s think of the things that we value most in our lives, the things that we treasure the most, and what we would do to appreciate them more, maintain them or keep them.
Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, August 21st
Dear Church family and friends,
This week’s Sunday announcement brings you all the same information as the others before it have done for a while now – service is at 11am Sunday morning at the FTH facilities and will be livestreamed – but there is one major difference: we are starting our Summer Speaker Series!
For the next month or so we will have various friends and members of IBC Giessen take turns bringing us the Word of God during our service. Daniel will be kicking the series off with a sermon on Job 1: 6-22, “Men err as long as they keep striving”.
For a link to the livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
See you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, August 17th
Dear Church family and friends,
We (temporarily) said “bye” to another person on Sunday! Like Linus the week before, Fleming will also be going on a semester abroad and returning at some point in January. So, while we are sad to see him go – we do know that he will back!
As we won’t be having the mid-week Bible Studies this week, it gives you the perfect opportunity to catch up or listen again to some recent sermons. May we suggest you start with this week’s from Pastor Buddy? You can choose from English (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BviSzkxWe2U) or German (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjJW4IjQQ-w).
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, August 14th
Dear Church family and friends,
“It’s too early.”
Anyone responsible for the food shopping in their household might have exactly the same response – the first Christmas treats have been spotted in the supermarkets. Of course, the idea is to heighten the excitement toward the season and look forward to all the cinnamon-filled warmth that it brings: but it is out of place in the summer. Moreover, it’s out of place when the build-up is leading to the wrong end-goal. Sweets and goodies help to build the atmosphere and “vibe”; we, on the other hand, are looking forward to the King.
We don’t need to wait until Christmas to get to know this King, though. We can learn about Him, experience Him and worship Him in our service on Sunday at 11am. Pastor Buddy will be preaching from the book of Luke, in which Jesus tells a parable of a different sort of king. To find out what type of king, and how this applies to our King and our relationship with him, you can be part of the congregation at the FTH facilities or join in online. For a link to the livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Whether you’ve had enough of summer and are indeed looking forward to the (hopefully) wetter and colder weather that autumn will bring, or really want to wring out summer and its heat as much as you can, may you know that there is a season for everything, and a reason to rejoice in each season. The King was born to us, died for us, and still lives among us. Be blessed!
Update for Wednesday, August 10th
Dear Church family and friends,
What a busy Sunday that turned out to be! We listened to Pastor Buddy’s sermon on the simplicity of Christ – (German) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=076l7tfmEMk ; (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz7A4n0Z41A – said a temporary goodbye to both Stephen and Linus, and then later on celebrated the baptism of Naomi, Samuel and Tim.
While our Sunday services will not be taking a break over the summer, our mid-week Bibles studies will. Wednesday will see the last session on Nehemiah and the last meeting of both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies until the autumn – but it’s still not too late to join for the first time! The groups meet at 7pm at the FTH, but also online. For more information, or a link to the meeting, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org . You can also write to this e-mail for more information on YABS (Young Adults’ Bible Study) and their summer plans.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!
Update for Sunday, August 7th
Dear Church family and friends,
Just when you think that Church is “winding down” for summer, an announcement with lots of information comes along!
Is anyone missing any salad bowls? Our Church BBQ was just under a month ago now, and there are a few salad bowls which didn’t make it home. No-one at the FTH has claimed them, so they must belong to someone at our Church. Thank you for the salads – they were very tasty – we’d like you to be able to bring another for next time!
This Sunday we will be having a Baptism Service at the Wissmarer See in Wettenberg. This is in addition to our regular service at the FTH facilities starting at 11am. The morning service will be livestreamed, the afternoon service, however, will not be. We are hoping to start at 2:30pm and would love to see as many of our Church family there to watch those who are being baptised make this next step in their faith journey.
Construction work at the FTH is progressing nicely, and as some of you may have seen last week, the entrance from Rathenaustrasse is now blocked off. Instead, you can access the FTH via Heegstrauchweg – which is literally just around the corner. On top of that, getting into the building has changed. Rather than entering through the glass doors at the front where the book shop is, you will need to walk around the side of the building. The outside doors to the café/lounge area where we used to meet for snacks after the service will be open. The way from there should be clear: it just adds a few more steps!
Your go-to e-mail address for all these matters is office@ibc-giessen.org. It’s where you can claim your salad bowl, ask for a link to the morning service, ask for directions to the Baptism service, or anything else IBC related that you would like an answer to.
Be blessed – and stay hydrated and safe in the on-going hot temperatures!
Update for Wednesday, August 3rd
Dear Church family and friends,
Now the formalities of the Business Meeting and the last sermons of July are over – English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1xzFE_nsPM ; German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vixKuiE8hu4 – let’s turn our focus to August and the next important event!
We will be having our first Baptism Service in a while this coming Sunday! This service will follow after the morning service, but in a different place. Listening and learning of others’ experiences with Jesus is always a joy, and watching people as they make this public declaration such a privilege: so please do come to the Wissmarer See in Wettenberg at 2:30pm on Sunday to support and cheer on those who are making this decision.
Before that, though, we have our Wednesday Bible Studies. Both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will meet at the usual time of 7pm at the FTH facilities. If you’re not able to make it to the FTH for that time, but will still like to join in, we do have a Zoom link you may use to attend remotely, and all you need to do is contact office@ibc-giessen.org to get hold of it.
We pray that you are all having a great start in this new month, and that those either going on holiday or having a school/university break are enjoying the change in schedule!
Update for Sunday, July 31st
Dear Church family and friends,
Those of you who attended, or hoped to have attended, the mid-week Bible Studies’ Zoom meeting on Wednesday would have been left disappointed by the lack of sound. We are very sorry for this – and share in your disappointment. It is frustrating when the technology which is designed to improve our lives doesn’t actually do so.
Hopefully, this problem doesn’t persist and those joining our livestreamed service and livestreamed Business Meeting afterward can do so comfortably. To be able to watch remotely, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link. You are more than welcome to stay and listen in on the Business Meeting even if you aren’t a member or regular attendee. Providing Zoom works completely the way we intend it to, there will also be a chance to vote on certain items in the meeting. Please only do so if you are a member.
If you would like to be part of the face-to-face congregation and go to the meeting in person, the service takes place at the FTH starting at 11am. Again, everyone is invited to sit and listen to the meeting, and only members are allowed to vote. If you are interested in becoming a member of IBC Giessen, we encourage you to talk to get in contact with Pastor Buddy.
We look forward to seeing – and you hearing us! – on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, July 27th
Dear Church family and friends,
Mid-way through the week already! Let’s come together in our Bible Studies and pray for one another and read His Word together. Both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies are looking at the book of Nehemiah and are always happy to have more people to discuss with. You can join them online or at the FTH facilities at 7pm on Wednesday evening. For a link to the Zoom meeting, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org .
We would also like to remind you – or inform you if you missed Sunday’s announcement – that there will be a Business Meeting after our Church service this Sunday. If you are a member you will be able to vote when applicable, but if you are a visitor you are more than welcome to just sit and listen in. To get more information about becoming a member, please write to Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org
Lastly, you can listen to the second part of Pastor Buddy’s sermon on the generous employer (Matt 20) in English here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTkvhozmNOA . For the German version, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_6zgjrtnKI
We trust and pray that you are having a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, July 24th
Dear Church family and friends,
A fair number of you might be thinking „phew!“ this week. For teachers and pupils, the school year has finished; and those not designed to tolerate heat must be glad that the heatwave of the first few days of this week has subsided. Phew!
The summer usually means that people are travelling and going on holiday – something much deserved after not being able to do so easily for the last two years! We would, however, like to inform you that we will be having our summer Business Meeting after the service on 31st July, and hope to see as many of you there as possible. If you aren’t able to attend in-person, we will be keeping the livestream running after the service so that you can listen in. Those listening online should bear in mind that they will not be able to vote, regardless of if they are an IBC member or not. Voting is only open to members, but everyone may join the meeting, in which ever form that takes. For more information about membership please talk to Pastor Buddy, or write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
This Sunday though, we will have our service at the usual time of 11am at the FTH facilities and online. For a link to the Zoom livestream, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org
After that long announcement you may also be thinking “phew”! We hope that you enjoy your summer – whether you thrive in hot weather or not – and that you make plenty of time to delve into, and rest in, God’s Word.
Update for Wednesday, July 20th
Dear Church family and friends,
Before we remind you of this week’s mid-week Bible Studies, let’s go back to Sunday and Pastor Buddy’s sermon on the manager described in Matthew 20. To listen again in English click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9o-AaYHhc0 – and for German, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ-g478DxnY
We will be having our mid-week Bible studies for both the men and women at the usual time of 7pm online only – due to the extreme heat – with both groups looking at and reflecting on the book of Nehemiah. Newcomers are always welcome! To take part via Zoom, please send an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org
We hope that you are beating the heat and staying safe and well this week. Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, July 17th
Dear Church family and friends,
Sometimes in life it’s all a matter of perspective. Take, for example, the passage for this coming Sunday’s sermon: Matthew chapter 20. Is the manager generous, fair or neither? Do the workers who arrived early have a right to complain? Have the workers that arrived later taken advantage of the original offer of the manager? Or is there yet another angle to this parable that we haven’t considered?
On Sunday at 11am we will be delving into these viewpoints during our service at the FTH. If you can’t make it, but are still intrigued, please do join us via the livestream – for a link, you will need to e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Having different starting points and seeing things differently is all part of Church life – let’s embrace it! See you on Sunday!
Update for Thursday, July 14th
See you tomorrow at our first Worship Night of 2022!
Update for week of July 11th
Dear Church family and friends,
… as you can see, we had a very successful BBQ on Sunday! Some people were very polite and even left some food over – but there was enough for everyone, and we all enjoyed being back with each other in fellowship. Praise God!
Church isn’t over for the week though: on Tuesday, Young Adults’ Bible Study (YABS) will take place; on Wednesday it’s the turn of the mid-week Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies, and on Friday we will be having a Worship Night. It’ll be a busy week!
For more information on YABS, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org. You can also use this e-mail address to request a link to the Zoom meeting for both the mid-week Bible Studies and Worship Night should you need it. Both the Wednesday Bible Studies and Friday’s Worship Night will be taking place at 7pm at the FTH on their respective days.
You can listen to Pastor Buddy’s sermon from Sunday in English here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmPT6y8dnhA
…and in German, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuPTi5HYWn4
A week can go by quickly – let’s not wait until Sunday to meet with each other again!
Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, July 10th
Dear Church family and friends,
One last reminder before the event: we would love for as many as possible to come to our Church BBQ this coming Sunday. If you plan on attending, please write an e-mail to office@ibc-giessen.org telling us how many people you are bringing with you and what side-dish or dessert you plan on sharing with everyone. The Church will provide the grill, sausages, bread rolls and drinks.
Obviously, livestreaming a BBQ is a little strange – it’s not exactly an easy way to share food! We do have a Zoom link for the service beforehand, which starts at the usual time of 11am. To access the service online, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org – otherwise we’ll see you at the FTH facilities.
Another event has recently come to our attention, and that’s the next Worship Night. It has been a while since our last one, but our worship team have been busy preparing and practising for this coming Friday (15th July 2022). Let’s join them at 7pm and raise our voices in praise together!
Have a blessed weekend: we look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, July 6th
Dear Church family and friends,
At the end of the week we will finally have our first Church-wide fellowship in a long time, by having a BBQ. The Church will provide sausages, bread rolls, drinks, and the grill itself – but we will need your help with side dishes and desserts. So that we don’t have many of the same things, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org and tell us what you are going to bring with you.
Before we get to Sunday though, there’s the rest of the week to get through – and our mid-week Bible Studies. Both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will meet at the FTH facilities and online at the usual time of 7pm on Wednesday evening. If you need a link to join in via Zoom, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org.
Lastly, the sermon from Sunday 3rd has been pre-recorded in two languages. The English version can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AoiEwVsMWY ; the German version, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LVOalnaTjU
We hope that you are having a brilliant week, and look forward to seeing you at one of our events! Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, July 3rd
Dear Church family and friends,
July! Schools break up for their summer holidays in 3 weeks – before you know it, it will be September… But before we get there, we have our Church BBQ next week. On the 10th we would like to meet together after the service for grilled sausages, drinks and fellowship. We would love to see as many there as possible – and we would be especially grateful if you could bring some side dishes, salads or desserts. So that we can plan a little, please could you write to office@ibc-giessen.org to tell us that you are attending.
With the FTH’s move into their new building, it might still be that we have to improvise certain technical elements of our service: last week, for example, we needed to use a portable projector rather than the one mounted to the ceiling! The main thing, though, is that we were still able to worship together, and will do so again this coming Sunday at 11am. While we do plan on livestreaming the service, it could be that there is no internet connection at the FTH. We will not know for certain until Sunday morning – so bare that in mind when you have e-mailed office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday – and eating with you the week after!
Update for Wednesday, June 29th
Dear Church family and friends,
For a while, we had been worshipping in a classroom setting, with everyone sitting behind a table. This was partially due to physical distancing regulations, but mostly because the FTH needed to use all the space available to them as classrooms. The move into the new building meant that all the tables in the sanctuary were removed by Sunday, and we were able to celebrate our service more freely, in a somewhat normal setting – and it felt so good! If you weren’t able to make it and experience it with us, we look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday. In the meantime, you can listen to the concluding part of Pastor Buddy’s sermon on Zacchaeus, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJPnY2av0fU
You are also invited to attend one of our small groups this week. We have YABS on a Tuesday evening, and Men’s and Women’s Bibles Studies on a Wednesday evening at 7pm at the FTH facilities and via Zoom. For more information, or a link to the Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Have a blessed last few days of June!
Update for Sunday, June 26th
Dear Church family and friends,
There are just two weeks to go until our Church BBQ on the 10th July. The Church will provide all the meat and drinks – you just need to provide a side dish or dessert and attend!
As for this week, we are hoping to have service as usual. If you recently visited us, or have driven by the FTH facilities during the week, it cannot have failed your notice that a new building has appeared on campus. It might be that we meet in the new building this week – but then again it might not. Either way, if you would like to join us for our service, we will meet at 11am on Sunday morning and direct you from there! The plan is to also have our livestream available for those who cannot make it. For a link, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
With summer rolling around, there seems to be an event every weekend to make up for the ‘lost time’ of the last two years. We pray that you pace yourself and stay healthy. Have a blessed weekend!
Update for Wednesday, June 21st
Dear Church family and friends,
Pastor Buddy’s sermon last Sunday was the first of two parts concerning the story of Zaccaheus the tax collector. Before this coming Sunday’s conclusion, you can catch-up or refresh your memory with what has happened so far, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCKOy6bvv2I
There are, however, a few more days until Sunday – including a Wednesday, when we will be having our Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies at 7pm in the evening. Both groups are looking at the book of Nehemiah and you are more than welcome to join them. In case you cannot commit to 7pm at the FTH facilities, that’s no problem, as you can participate via Zoom. For an invite link, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
We pray that you are having a wonderful week so far!
Update for Sunday, June 19th
Dear Church family and friends,
Provided that we haven’t melted by then, we will be having our service as usual at 11am at the FTH facilities – and we’ll be trying to keep everything as cool possible. As it’s a Bank Holiday weekend, we are aware that some may have taken the opportunity to go on a short trip, so the invitation to join our livestream extends to them this week, as well as to any who is ill – or to those who simply find the idea of going anywhere too hot right now! To join in via Zoom, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
In this case, when we ask you to “keep safe”, we mean in light of the heat: drink plenty of water, wear sun cream and seek shade! Otherwise, enjoy the beginning of summer – and we’ll see you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, June 15th
Dear Church family and friends,
While there is no link to a recorded version of Sunday’s sermon this week, there will still be Bible Study! Both Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will be meeting at their usual time of 7pm at the FTH facilities. If you cannot make it there in person, you are more than welcome to join via Zoom and work through the book of Nehemiah with them. For a link, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org
We hope that you are having a brilliant week so far and that you are looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend, which starts on Thursday. Be blessed!
Update for Sunday, June 12th
Dear Church family and friends,
There’s only one month to go until the next IBC date for you diary! On Sunday 10th July, after the service, we will be meeting together for an extended time of fellowship in the form of a Church BBQ. We will provide the grill, meat, cutlery and crockery and the drinks – all you need to do is provide some salads, other side dishes and desserts. So get thinking about what you would like to bring along with you: we look forward to seeing you (and your food) on the 10th July!
You won’t need to wait quite as long for our next service, though, which takes place on Sunday at the FTH facilities at 11am. If you are unwell or cannot make it for any other reason you can join in our livestream via Zoom. You can get a link to it by e-mailing office@ibc-giessen.org
It would be so easy to make some sort of parallel between spiritual nourishment from the Word of God and bodily nourishment from food, but we’re too hungry from the idea of our BBQ to be able to form it properly…
Have a blessed weekend!
Update for Wednesday, June 8th
Dear Church family and friends,
What a great Sunday we had, celebrating Pentecost by joining together for the Lord’s Table and remembering the unity that we have with one another and Jesus Christ. If you were not able to make it on Sunday, you can listen to Pastor Buddy’s sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9v05833v4
Our mid-week Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies will be meeting this Wednesday at 7pm at the FTH facilities and via Zoom. To attend via Zoom, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org for a link – it’s not too late to join!
We hope that you have had a brilliant Pentecost weekend and enjoyed the extra day off. Even during this slightly shorter week, we pray that you are blessed by His goodness.
Update for Sunday, June 5th
Dear Church family and friends,
Emmanuel, God is with us, is something that we often hear at Christmastime. Yet it is not just true of the Christ Child, but also of His Spirit that He sent down on that first Pentecost. God longs to be with us and we are reminded of this so often in our day-to-day lives as well as the main celebrations of the Church calendar. This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday – therefore Monday is a Bank Holiday – and we will worship the God who never leaves us nor forsakes us, creating His Church so that we may follow Him as a family with the support and encouragement of others.
Last week, we yet again had issues with the livestream in that it didn’t start at all. There was a connection issue at the FTH, which we now believe to be resolved. Should an issue arise again, you can listen to Pastor Buddy’s sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9v05833v4. For a link to this week’s livestream, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
The service will not just take place online, but also in person at the FTH. To be part of our congregation, you can join us at 11am on Sunday morning.
Have a blessed and peaceful Bank Holiday weekend safe in the knowledge that God never leaves your side.
Update for Wednesday, June 1st
Dear Church family and friends,
We’re at the middle of the week already, so that means it’s time to remind you of our Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies taking place at 7pm at the FTH facilities on Wednesday evening. Should you be unable to attend, but still keen on taking part, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org to get involved via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you there!
In the meantime, here is a pre-recorded version of Pastor Buddy’s sermon from Sunday, in case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L6lgxLgG-I
We pray that you are have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, May 29th
Dear Church family and friends,
Ascension Day, which we celebrated on Thursday, marks Jesus’ return to heaven and to His Father. He went before us to His place at God’s right hand side to vouch for us. He went before us to make a way for us to join our eternal Father when we are called. He keeps His promise, yet He doesn’t leave us alone. Next Sunday we will mark Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was sent to be in us and with us as Jesus once was. While it might take us a while to realise it, when we do figure out how much we need God’s grace, mercy and love, we quickly notice that we can no longer live without it – and He knows that too.
When we finally see Jesus for who He is we can’t help but bow down in worship and joyfully praise Him – much like the blind beggar in Luke 18, the focus of Pastor Buddy’s sermon this Sunday. We will meet at 11am at the FTH facilities for our service, but if you are unable to make it you are more than welcome to be part of our online congregation. Please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link to our Zoom livestream.
We hope that you can see God blessings for you in this upcoming week, and can feel His presence in all that you do!
Update for Wednesday, May 25th
Dear Church family and friends,
Even though we’ve already shared the link to Pastor Buddy’s pre-recorded sermon, here it is again so that you don’t have to go searching if you missed it or would like to listen again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFZX9vvE1e0
We are so grateful for all the feedback on our experiments with improving the sound quality on the livestream of Sunday’s service. A massive improvement has been made, but we aware that not everything is perfect. We will continue to make adjustments and changes to further better our online experience.
For our Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies this week we will also have the possibility of meeting via Zoom if you cannot make it to the FTH facilities for the start time of 7pm. We will, as always, be meeting on Wednesday evening with both groups studying the book of Nehemiah, but in different ways. To learn more, get the link to the Zoom meeting or to register an interest in joining, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org
Lastly, a quick reminder that Thursday is a Bank Holiday. The shops will be shut and schools closed to mark Ascension Day – when Jesus went before us to heaven. We will not be having a special Church service on this day, but hope that you enjoy the day off.
Have a great week!
Update for Sunday, May 22nd
Dear Church family and friends,
For our livestream viewers, this week’s service has a “Work in Progress” sign hanging on it. In our attempts to improve the audio quality, and the experience in general, we will be testing out some new equipment. To see the results, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org for a link. Just in case it shouldn’t work as desired, we would like to share the pre-recorded version with you now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFZX9vvE1e0
Of course, our experimentation with new technology will not stop us from having a traditional “live” Church service at the FTH facilities at our usual time of 11am. Please join us if you can!
No matter which way you have been attending Church in the last couple of months, we would like to thank you for your patience as we have been figuring out how best to continue or re-build Church life since the lockdowns and restrictions. We are not finished as perhaps some more things need changing that we had not yet thought about – but we thank you for your support, ideas and prayers.
Be blessed – and see you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, May 18th
Dear Church family and friends,
On Sunday, Pastor Buddy looked at Luke chapter 18, where Jesus advises the rich ruler to sell everything and follow him. The full sermon can be found here, if you would like to refresh your memory or listen for the first time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbc5rL9SjZM
The Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will be meeting again this week to explore the book of Nehemiah. While the men will be taking a chapter by chapter approach, the women have a specific book to work through. To get involved with either group, or for more information, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org . Both meetings happen on Wednesday, starting at 7pm, and take place in the side building at the FTH facilities.
Another group that we have meeting during the week is YABS. YABS stands for ‘Young Adult Bible Study’, and they meet on a Tuesday evening. If you would like to join them, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
Have a blessed week!
Update for Sunday, May 15th
Dear Church family and friends,
While most are rejoicing in the sunny, almost summer-like weather, let’s spare a thought for the people that are suffering the most because of it – those with hay fever or other allergies.
Pollen. It gets everywhere. Sometimes it lands on fruitful ground and creates the most beautiful flowers; more often we find it stuck to freshly cleaned windows, car windscreens and garden furniture. A fine yellow dust that everyone can see causes irritation for some and a violent reaction in others. It’s a bit like spreading the Good News, isn’t it?
On Sunday we’ll meet indoors, protected from the weather and its consequences, at 11am in the FTH facilities and our service will also be livestreamed. To join in online, please e-mail office@ibc-giessen.org
For those who are affected by springtime health issues, we pray that you can stay safe and find some relief! The same applies to you as it does everyone else: keep hydrated, seek shade and don’t overdo it. Have a blessed week!
Update for Wednesday, May 11th
Dear Church family and friends,
After weeks of pre-announcements, it’s finally time for the Men‘s and Women’s Bible Studies to return! Both groups will be studying the book of Nehemiah and both groups will be meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. If you have any questions, or would like further information, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org
Not only did Johannes A. join us during Sunday’s service to preach, but he also pre-recorded his sermon for those who missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwohvs7HQew
We pray that you are having a brilliant week and are making the most of the spring weather!
Update for Sunday, May 8th
Dear Church family and friends,
It’ll be the second Sunday of May this coming Sunday: that means that it’ll be Mother’s Day! While it is not a Bank Holiday, it is a day for showing appreciation for those who are mothers or mother-figures. For those who long to be mothers, or do not have a good relationship with their own, we pray that this day isn’t too hard for you, and that you may be comforted.
The original idea of Mother’s Day was to have a day when you could take your mothers along with you to Church. If you were to do that this Sunday – 11am at the FTH facilities – they too would have the privilege of hearing Johannes A. bringing the Word of God to us. Of course, there will be a livestream of the service, too. For a link, please e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Update for Wednesday, May 4th
Dear Church family and friends,
„Alles neu macht der Mai“ – May makes everything new…
… well, nearly. This week’s Zoom Bible Study will be the last on the book of Revelation before our new Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies start. For a look at the last chapter and a re-cap and summary of everything that we have learnt so far, you are more than welcome to join us at 7pm on Wednesday evening. Just e-mail Pastor Buddy or office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
We have heard that some people were struggling with the audio quality during Sunday’s service livestream. To listen again to an uninterrupted version of Pastor Buddy’s sermon, just click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhzBE66JsJI
Have a blessed rest of the week!
Update for Sunday, May 1st
Dear Church family and friends,
It’s a Bank Holiday on Sunday: not that you’d notice it as the banks, shops, schools and majority of the other workplaces are closed anyway. In Germany, if a Bank Holiday with a fixed date falls on a weekend there is no “compensation” day during the following week – which means that you just have to make the best out of it and wait for the longer weekends in late May and June.
The occasion of this particular Bank Holiday is “Day of Work”, where, historically, rights regarding the length of a work day were campaigned for and eventually enforced. Perhaps we can use this day to be thankful for our workplaces and how working conditions may have improved – as well as the wide choice of different vocations and jobs one can now have. Similarly, we could use this day to pray for those in training for a specific field of work, or those desperately trying to find employment.
As it is a Sunday, however, we will be having a Church service at the usual time of 11am in our usual place of the FTH facilities. A livestream link is available for those who cannot get there for whatever reason, which can be acquired by e-mailing office@ibc-giessen.org
We pray that God blesses your hands, thoughts and actions as you go about your work, and that you have a productive week!
Older information and online sermons are available here:
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