This week we had the privilege of hosting the National Baptist Senior Pastor’s Gathering. This annual gathering of pastors from larger Baptist churches across Australia moves state-to-state and is hosted by a local church. There were over thirty churches represented this year along with the state directors of Baptist ministries and representatives from Baptist World Aid, Baptist Financial Services, and Baptist Mission Australia; nearly 65 people all up! It is one of the highlights in my calendar and I look forward, every year, to catching up with “my people”. Some of my dearest friends are people I see once a year at this event. This year, being able to host the event was a real blessing and I am particularly thankful to the staff and volunteers who took on additional responsibilities to make it all happen! From organising, to baking, preparing the space and serving each day - it’s just another way we get to serve the wider church – such a privilege!

See you Sunday!

Preacher: Marjy Robertson (Serve Team Coordinator) Encounter Series: The Leper Matthew 8:1-4

May Mission Month Focus: GBC Frontline Missionaries

Hopedrive - drive through drop off of non-perishable items from 1:30-3:30pm 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

31 May - Men's Breakfast

8 June - Donations close for MMM

15 June - Baby/Child Dedication Sunday 9:30am service

This Sunday we're hearing updates from the ground, sent in by our GBC Frontline Missionaries. We'll hear about their current context and ministry focus, and spend time praying for them. 

VISIT THE MMM PAGE ON GBC'S WEBSITE:

For information about Partner Organisations, videos, prayer points and Ways to Give, click the button below. 

Gymea Tech High School are hosting selective and opportunity class testing on Sunday 25 May. While we don't expect parents to use the church carpark, and have arrangements in place to ensure it's available for the congregation, we recommend arriving early to avoid parking difficulties.  Parking is difficult at the best of times, and we thank you for your patience and willingness to arrive a little early, park a little distance away, walk a little further (or drive a little car!!)

From Little Things, Big Things grow.  It's amazing the impact that a few tins of tuna or a box of washing powder can have.  Consider popping a little extra in your trolley this week and bringing it along to Hopedrive, so Hopefield can bless families and individuals in need in our community.  Drop off anytime, or use our handy drive-through option this Sunday from 1:30-3:30pm.

Have you had a baby in the last few years and have never dedicated that child? GBC are hosting a Child Dedication Service on Sunday 15 June for all parents/primary caregivers of children/babies.

We'd love to pray for your child and stand with you as you thank God for them, and dedicate them.  Please see a Pastor, or email Roxane Lawler (roxane.lawler@gymeabaptist.org.au) or our Children's Ministry Coordinator (Rebecca Vernum) if you would like further information. 

COMBINED CHURCHES EVENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS (18-29) IN SOUTHERN SYDNEY

After the incredible launch event in November, 360 Faith is back with the second event in southern Sydney on 31 May. This time we’re starting at 4pm, which means more sessions, more food, more hanging out… more everything!

The theme for SSY25 is “Together: the hope of Christian community in a messy world”. Did you know young adults have the highest rate of loneliness of any age group? A recent study found 75% of Gen Z in Australia often or sometimes feel lonely!

What’s going on? And more importantly, what can we do about it? The good news is, Christians have been given both the mission and the power to be community-builders… in our workplaces, neighbourhoods, and churches.

This event will be held at Inaburra School in Bangor. Tickets are $39, which includes $25 food and drink credit to use at one of our incredible food trucks - Shorty’s Burgers and Satay Brothers (GF and DF options available) – plus a drink. Also, the first 100 people to register will get a free ice cream on the night!

Follow on Instagram (360faithau) for all the latest event info and updates.

Men's Breakfast featuring food & coffee.  Come and hear guest speaker and author Steve Hatton, a local who discovered the importance of forgiveness and experienced the healing power of God.  Steve will be sharing his story and also have his book available to purchase. 

MEN’S LUNCH, Wednesday 28th May at Donald Robinson Village (DRV), meeting at 12-15 for a 12-30 start. All men are invited to attend.

Guest Speakers this month will be Tim Beilharz, Children’s Minister at Soul Revival Church, Kirrawee.

Cost for lunch is $19-00.  Please book with Arthur Watterson on 8539 7990, or Ian Scarfe on 0439 914 957 by Tuesday 20th May. Please note early booking deadline.    (Last minute cancellations must be paid for)

You are invited to join us for a short but effective time of “zoom” prayer Thursday at 7:30pm. A 30 minute guided prayer led by one of our wonderful GBC Elders. You can join in using this link JOIN PRAYER ZOOM or using the Meeting ID: 919 1693 5880 Passcode: f603j2. We look forward to spending this time together in prayer.

Romans 10:14 says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

Missions are central to God’s purpose for the world. This verse reminds us that people can only believe if they first hear—and someone must go to tell them. This is the heartbeat of May Mission Month at GBC: partnering with those who go so others may know the love of Christ.

We are privileged to support mission projects that bring both practical help and spiritual hope:

• Mother’s Hope in Cambodia, offering care to vulnerable mothers and children;
• Baptist World Aid’s work in Lebanon, supporting Syrian refugees and rebuilding lives; and
• Tearfund’s ministry in Darwin, Through Nungalinya College, walking alongside First Nations communities.

We also uphold our Global missionaries:

• Jonathan and Sarah in Spain, sharing the gospel in the post-Christian culture of the Basque region;
• Heather in the UK, supporting the child safety work of OM International;
• Ben and Manje in Peru, exploring new ministry areas; and
• Gary and Jan providing member support to GAiN, along with Kath (School chaplaincy), working here in Australia.

Give thanks to God for calling and sending these servants. Let us support them through our financial gifts and prayers. Pray that the Lord will grant each one wisdom and strength, and provide for their daily needs.

Derek Mullins (Elder)

* Many in the morning service have counted the days until the arrival of Clive Atwell's wife and children from Guyana, South America. Happily they have now arrived in Australia, and we look foward to seeing them at church. If you thought Clive's smile was big before, wait till you see it now. 

* Continue to pray for the Drury family as they navigate post-hospital life and ongoing chemo and radio therapy.

* Continue to pray for Karen Watkins, thanking God she is now home and recovering from neurosurgery.

* Pray for all who are sick or grieving in our community faith.

*Thank God for the successful National Baptist Senior Pastors Gathering which GBC hosted.  Pray for Kingdom work to flourish in churches across Australia as a result of this Gathering.  

* Pray for the Encounter series, particularly as new people join LifeGroups, that they'd feel 'part of the family' very soon. Particularly pray for those who are interested in faith, Jesus or 'church adjacent' that they would find out more about Jesus. 

* Pray for MMM that we would be a church that is Others-Focussed, Big-Hearted and reflect God's love for the world in how we give to His work in the world. Pray that more people would give, that targets would be reached and that our normal offerings do not decrease.