It’s been an exciting week. Adam Stewart commenced his role as Associate Pastor (Community Engagement) on Monday. It’s taken quite a long time to fill this role, but the wait has been worth it! His appointment coincides with the beginning of our planning cycle as a leadership. One of the most significant things we do as a leadership is to engage our community of faith in the process of discerning where we believe God is leading us. There are two primary ways we do this. First, through our annual survey and, second, through Soundings, a 90 minute focused discussion.

We have received 224 responses to the survey; the majority last Sunday and a few more during the week. If you haven’t yet completed it follow this [LINK] to do so. It will take you about 20 minutes and the survey will close on Monday morning. Soundings will take place on Sunday August 31 from 11:30-1:00. We will be asking three questions about “Spiritual Journey” which is one of our three strategic priority areas (along with Belonging and Community Engagement) over the 90 minutes we’re together. If you are able to participate on that day I would be appreciative! You can register [HERE].

If you are unable to attend Soundings, please do be in prayer for the time. Pray that through the Holy Spirit, given to all who believe in Jesus, we would be able to discern together where the Lord is leading us!

In other staff news, Roxane will be away in September travelling in Europe, pray too for her safety and that her time away would be refreshing and restful.

I hope to see you on Sunday; online or onsite!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Sunday

Marc Rader is preaching in the fifth week in our Origin Story series at both the AM and the PM service. Stick around after the 9:30am service for coffee and tea and/or join us for dinner after the 6pm service!

Next Sunday  

31st August:

Adam Stewart's Induction Service

Soundings 11:30am-1pm (don't forget to RSVP)

HopeDrive 1:30-3:30pm

HopeDrive is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and generosity! 

Drop off non-perishable items via a Drive Thru at GBC from 1:30-3:30pm next Sunday afternoon!

See the August shopping list for the items in the most need this month. Drop-offs of non-perishable goods can also be made into the labelled bins in the church foyer during staffed hours, or on Sunday at either service. Financial contributions are also appreciated so Hopefield can purchase perishable goods [click here to donate]

$20 buys fresh fruit and vegetables for an individual 
$40 buys fresh fruit and vegetable for a family 
$60 buys fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein for an individual 
$100 buys fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein for a family 

Soundings 2025 is next week! Don't foget to RSVP! We are meeting after the AM service from 11:30am to 1pm

Join us for a time of listening, sharing, and reflecting in small focus groups. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard as we seek God’s direction together. We would love love love to hear from you!

The event is free, we just need to know if you're coming.
Click the link below to RSVP!

Christmas Trees Wanted!

Can you belive Christmas is coming up again?!

We are hoping to 'grow' a forest of Christmas trees for our Festival of Christmas this year, 21st-23rd December.

If you have a tree you could donate for the weekend of the festival, or if your thinking of purchasing a new tree this year and are needing to offload your old Christmas tree please contact Jackie Martin [here]

Martin Luther included the following Morning Prayer in his Small Catechism (1529) as part of his teaching on daily devotion for everyday Christians:

“I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

This prayer reminds us that life itself is a gift. God kept us safe through the night, and we can trust Him to guide us through the day. By placing ourselves—body and soul—into His hands, we step into the day with peace. His angels guard us, His Spirit strengthens us, and His love surrounds us.

Derek Mullins, Elder

Saturday 6th September, 7:30–9:00am at Gymea Baptist Church. There has been a swap in guest speakers - Sam Hudson is now going to be sharing about Consumption and Contribution!

Join us for a great morning together! 
Register below.

We are looking for someone to fill a fixed-term or casual role as an administration assistant which will include reception and other administration support here at GBC. This role seeks to assist the staff team while Karen Watkins continues to recover from brain surgery to remove a benign cyst in May.

* Please continue to pray for the Drury family and for Karen Watkins as they each recover from major neurosurgery.

* While we don’t know of any other specific updates, we encourage you to pray for all those in our church family who may be unwell, weary, injured, or struggling in any way. 

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.