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From the Senior PastorHonour the LORD with your wealth…” (Proverbs 3:9) I was reflecting on this verse a bit this week and wanted to share a couple of thoughts about it. First, this is an action of a wise person. This is not a command, but a proverbial saying. In other words, the wisdom of this action is evident when it is put into action just like any other proverb! Second, it calls for a public expression of honour, rather than an attitude alone. There are a number of definitions for “honour” in English. One of those is “to pay public respect to”. This idea of using what wealth we have been given to pay public respect to the LORD cast this proverb into a new light for me. Just as we might make a donation to an organisation on behalf of someone else, we are able to use our wealth in the same way; on behalf of the LORD. Third, this public act of respect pushes the LORD’s purposes and priorities into the forefront; drawing attention to the restoration and renewal of all things. As a community of faith we want to be Big-Hearted; generous in every way. With all our “excess”; time, resources, money, etc. We want to honour the LORD with all we have. There are many avenues for us to do this, but there are two I’d like to draw your attention to. First, next Sunday is Hope Drive – the opportunity to contribute to the flourishing of our community by donating non-perishable goods. There has been a very strong (and super-encouraging) response since last month when the pantries were empty! Let’s honour the LORD in our response this month. The second, is our Ministry Budget as a community of faith. We are currently behind in our support of our ministries; the activities through which we seek to participate in God’s invitation to us. Let me encourage you to consider if the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to honour the LORD through the support of our Ministry Budget. Let us live wisely and honour the LORD with all that he has given us; to publicly act in respect of all that He has done and is doing! Marc Rader | Senior Pastor |
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Elder EditorialIt was such a blessing to be able to pray with other Christians from our GBC family on Thursday night. Everyone is welcome to join the zoom link. We prayed for each other and our church. In that way we were able to build ourselves up in our faith, praying together in the Holy Spirit, like it says in Jude v20-21: ‘But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.’ Even though we are saved by Jesus without earning it or deserving it in anyway, we don’t then sit back and just be good and pray now and then. There’s so much more! To live a Christian life takes discipline, concentration, reinforced by good habits of regular prayer by ourselves and unselfishly with others too. Life groups are great for this. Let’s not be solo Christians but look out for each other and share the joy of knowing Jesus with others because if you really experience God’s love, you’ll want to share it! Sonia Beresford, Elder |
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Family News* Arthur Wattersons Funeral will be held at Olsen's Funerals Sutherland, at 12pm 26th July 2025. Livestream link : https://view.oneroomstreaming.com * Noelen Lutton passed away on Monday 14th July. Her celebration of life service will be held on Thrusday 24th July at Gymea Baptist Church. All are invited to an afternoon tea following the service. * Be praying for Gods love, peace and comfort over the Watterson's and the Lutton's family and friends. * Continue to pray for the Drury family and for Karen Watkins as both recover from major neurosurgery. If you have something for Family News, contact office@gymeabaptist.org.au or call on 9521 4611. |
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HopeDrive is Coming Up 27th JulyLet's be big hearted and others focused and bless families and individuals in our community! HopeDrive is always the last Sunday of the month - donations can be brought in during the week or on Sundays, or use our Drive-Thru Drop Off from 1:30 - 3:30pm. Every donation matters! |
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Thursday Evening Church PrayerYou 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. |
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Sutherland to Surf | Hopefield TeamThis Sunday 20th July is the Sutherland to Surf and it is not too late to join the Hopefield team and raise funds for Hopefield’s life-changing community programs. How to Sign up Step 1: Register for Sutherland to Surf and join our team “Hopefield HopeTeam 3”. Step 2: Create your personal Hopefield Fundraising page. Click fundraise with us and follow the prompts. Step 3: Share your personal page with your family and friends; and get training! Not running? You can still make an impact! Support a member of the Hope Team by making a donation. Every dollar helps provide men’s mental health support, homelessness care, and safe pathways for women in crisis. |
