We are just over halfway through the Encounter series; the latest offering from Olive Tree Media that our Life Groups have been using during the weeks and which we’ve been following on Sundays. I have been delighted with the reports from Life Group leaders about how the series is being received; by long-time followers of Jesus and those who are only exploring faith. The matter-of-fact descriptions of encounters with Jesus – then and now – are a refreshing and engaging way to consider the claims of Jesus – then and now.

As we enter the final few weeks of this series (the final Sunday is June 29) continue to pray that whoever needs to would encounter Jesus. In particular pray for those who you know are part of your Life Group or who have been journeying towards faith in our Sunday services who are desperate for an encounter with Jesus (which is, incidentally, our theme for this Sunday).

See you Sunday, online or on site!

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

We're coming to the end of May Mission Month for 2025, and one of our success measures is "more people giving". We'd love you to prayerfully consider giving to the work of God through Mission, and be part of partnering with all of our GBC community to be others-focussed and on-purpose together. 

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

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.

* CONGRATULATIONS to Neil Swane on recognition from Surf Life Saving Australia for two decades of service. Neil was presented with his award during officiating at the recent Australian Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.  In a letter from Mark Speakman, MP for Cronulla, Neil was described as "a long serving member of the Cronulla club and as an official is said to be a crowd favorite of competitors.  He has become kown as an honest and diligent official while serving at club through to national and international level". Good on you Neil, for being so others-focussed and big-hearted! We appreciate you.

* Continue to pray for the Drury family and for Karen Watkins as both recover from major neurosurgery. 

* Pray for all who are unwell or going through difficult times, that they will experience the comfort and love of God.

* 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