I try to start each morning with the verse of the day on YouVersion. Last week there was a verse was from 2 Corinthians 9:7 which I thought was particularly relevant. It reads, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

As we seek to reach our May Mission Month target of $190,000 this is a good word to remember! There are three simple ideas that my attention was drawn to. First, that “each of you” should give. This is not an exhortation for a few wealthy members but for every member of the community of faith. One of our key success measures for May is that more individuals contribute to the overall target year-on-year. This is a measure of how deeply we are engaged in seeing God’s work accomplished around the world. Second, that this is a heart response to what God is inviting us to give. It is based on what God is doing and the degree to which our hearts have been touched. If there is a particular project that touched your heart; take that as God’s invitation! Third, that God loves a cheerful giver. While it’s true that God loves everyone there is a sense in Scripture that there are a few things that really warm God’s heart (e.g., justice, righteousness, and the upright; See Psalms 37:28; 146:8) and cheerful generosity is one of them! Consider that our gifts this May, given willingly and cheerfully, warms the very heart of God! What other reason do we need!

Remember – the last day to donate to this year’s May Mission Month target is Sunday, June 8. You can find more information below.

See you Sunday!

With several staff unwell last week and Karen on extended sick leave, plus the pressures of a HUGE May, we've dropped the ball on a couple of things, including the Friday Newsletter last week and the sermon podcasts.

You're currently reading last week's Newsletter, and sermon podcasts will be uploaded ASAP. We're sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience and understanding as the staff catch up on all the tasks necessary. 

IN OTHER NEWS... please continue to pray for the appointment of a communication coordinator!  

THIS SUNDAY

Preacher: Marc Rader Encounter Series: Desperate (Luke 8:40-48)

6pm Service: Dinner afterward the service - $7.50 all welcome 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

8 June - Donations close for MMM

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

Where will you give to MMM this year? Find our more about our partners, including update videos and giving instructions at the link below.

VISIT THE MMM PAGE ON GBC'S WEBSITE

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. 

You can also fill in an Expression of Interest Form via our Linktree.

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.

Bring in your 10c cans and bottles and give them to the kids ministry to help them raise funds for May Mission Month.  Every 10c counts! Thanks for supporting both mission and our kids ministry.

I like to keep a special verse for each member of my family. 

One of my favourite verses comes from Micah who prophesied to both the northern kingdom and Judah in the south.  He warned them both of impending judgment due to their sins, their corruption, their injustice, their idolatry and their oppression of the poor.

Micah 6:8 says “He has told you,O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

To Do Justice means being fair and honest in our dealings with others, particularly with those who are marginalised.

To Love Mercy calls for compassion, kindness, and empathy to others.

To Walk Humbly with God involves recognising our dependence on God, always acknowledging his grace and authority.

Praise God we  have a loving Saviour to lead us care for us.

Barb Higgins, Elder

* 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.  

* 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. 

Hopefield has the need for a good quality men’s pushbike and an aged care seat walker for a couple of clients in need. Please email photos to admin@hopefield.org.au or call the office on 9545 0299