This Sunday we are beginning a new sermon series in Genesis 1-11 entitled “Origin Story: God’s Story, Our Story”. The aim of the series is to explore the back story of the gospel that we find in the opening chapters of the Bible. In these poems, narratives, and genealogies we encounter God’s grand plan for the world and gain insight into our role in that plan and to Jesus’s renewing work.

Perhaps unsurprisingly I am pretty excited about this series! I’m really looking forward to exploring these beautiful, perplexing, and foundational texts on Sundays and to engaging with your questions through the Big III podcast. I will also be producing Life Group resources for this series for those groups who are keen to follow along.

There’s another reason for my excitement that is a little harder to explain. It has to do with the perceived shift in our culture towards a greater openness to faith and to Jesus. This openness, however, is what I might describe as innocent and naïve. It has little prior knowledge, fewer assumptions, and greater curiosity. This requires a longer runway to Jesus (and the theological concepts and ideas that relate to him and his work such as sin, atonement, or justification). Genesis 1-11 provides a wonderful on-ramp for these seekers – perhaps you know one? Perhaps this might be a good opportunity to invite them to church (research suggests most people would accept such an invitation!), share the podcast with them, invite them to your Life Group, or have a conversation about what you are learning!

It seems to me that this series could be a ‘word-in-season’ and I trust that we will take advantage of what the Lord may do as we turn again to our Origin Story. I hope you can join us on Sunday!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Sunday

9:30am Service: Marc Rader kicking off our new series titled Origin Story: God’s Story, Our Story

Our kids programs are back for Term 3!

There’ll be a fire drill during the morning service for our kids and our awesome fire wardens

1:30-3:30pm: HopeDrive. HopeDrive is an opportunity to give non-perishable items to the Hopefield pantry via a Drive Thru Drop Off service at GBC. Hopefield pantry is in desperate need of donations this month!

6pm Service: Marc Rader preaching in the first week in our new series Origin Story followed by dinner after the service!

Dates for Your Diary 

July 28th: Earlybird registration for State Youth Camp closes (registrations remain open until Sept 1)

Psalm 23.

The Bible tells us in the books of Samuel that Gods people were crying out for a King in order to be like other nations.

Saul was really the peoples choice. His outward appearance was stunning and he had good leadership qualities - he reigned for about 20 years. However he was ultimately rejected by God due to his disobedience, his lack of trust, his jealousy and hatred of David whom he tried many times to kill.

David was God’s choice because of his heart and character. He was a man of faith, humility, and repentance. Despite his flaws which were many his devotion was genuine and he possessed qualities that aligned with God’s desires.

We have 2 choices in life – the peoples way or Gods way.

Which will we choose?

Barbara Higgins, Elder

The Hopefield pantry is in desperate need of donations this month with the stock being very low!

Let’s be big-hearted and others-focused as we bless families and individuals in our community!

The Renovation Committee comprising Marc Radar, Marjy Robertson, Brian Stewart, David Beresford and Glen Nelson have been busy planning and preparing the plans with specifications for the renovations that should commence in the second half of August. Our Architect, Laura Van Breda has done a great job finalising plans and structural requirements. Stan Kirkman has provided details on all the data, internet and phone systems which are either being moved or updated as part of the works. Glenn Smith has also assisted with the financial requirements and approvals with the Baptist Association Property Trust. The staff as usual have been very helpful.

So far we have finalised plans and specifications, invited 4 builders to tender and held a tender meeting on Wednesday with tenders closing early August. Investigations and pricing for relocating and/or updating the data, internet and phone systems has progressed with timing to interface with the building works being a potential issue.

Before works can commence staff, furnishings and stored material will all need to be relocated temporarily so that the upstairs and downstairs offices are all clear. The builder will board up these areas and the passageway with the stairs (near printer) so it is isolated from the rest of the church building to limit noise and dust.

We anticipate all the works will be completed early in December, followed by moving all the staff, furnishings, creche and preschool into their new rooms.

* 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. 

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.