Last Sunday morning we recognised Gary and Jan Speckman, who are finishing up as GBC supported missionaries at the end of the year (Click HERE to watch the interview on our YouTube channel). This Sunday we are doing the same with Shane and Ruth Sparks who have concluded their ministry in Spain. It’s a chance to acknowledge the willingness to participate in God’s mission all over the world (Gary and Jan, both from the US, have served in Australia for decades) and to recognise the closing of one, quite specific call, and the opening of a different opportunity.
It also functions as a bit of an object lesson in fruitfulness - our sermon series for the term. Neither the Speckmans or the Sparks would say that they are perfect or that they represent some sort of super-spiritual ultra-Christian. I loved what Jan said on Sunday, that one of the most important lessons she has learned is that availability is more important than ability! These two families courageously stepped into the invitation they felt that God was extending to them and the fruit of that - lives changed by Jesus - came about, not because of their extraordinary faith, but through their willingness to be involved in what God was doing. We may not be called to relocate to another country, but we are all invited to make ourselves available to God in order that we (and others) might experience fruitfulness; the very purposes of God in our lives.
See you Sunday!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Weekend:

Join online or onsite at 9:30am and stick around after the service for tea and coffee and/or join at 6pm and stay for dinner afterwards!

Please check out lost property in the downsairs office for belongings as we are aiming to clear it asap

Save The Date:

17th November: Embrace Ladies Christmas Luncheon

22nd November: Men's Breakfast 

29th November: Christmas Festival Working Bee

30th November: AGM + Extraordinary Meeting 

6th December: Ladies Gingerbread Decorating Afternoon

19th, 20th, 21st December: Festival of Christmas 

I am so excited when God answers my prayers. But it’s tricky isn't it? Because sometimes they aren’t answered and it’s a ‘no’ or it’s a 'not yet’ or it goes quiet…This has to be one of the challenges to being a Christian - knowing how to pray and discerning God’s will, so that when we pray we see God at work in our lives and that of others. Jesus says in John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”  Jesus has just described our lives as branches attached to the vine (Himself) in order to bear fruit.
So stay close to Jesus, keep in step with the Spirit, meditate on God’s words, don’t always ask for things anyway, learn how to thank Him and praise Him.
Since Jesus wants us to love others, start there, and ask God to help you love others today. Look for people in your daily life who need love and trust God to use you, to give you words and actions that He can use for His glory. That prayer WILL be answered - 100% guarantee!

Sonia Beresford | Elder 

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to be generous and big-hearted. We encourage everyone to prayerfully consider how they might give this Christmas! One way you can give is through the Hopefield Giving Tree!

The project target for this year is $9000, donations of any amount are welcome and all donations are tax deductible.

$20 buys toiletries for a single lady or man

$80 buys an individual non-perishable hamper

$60 buys an individual a cold hamper

$45 buys an individual fresh fruit and vegetables hamper

$50 buys a teenager a voucher

$50 buys toys for a child

$75 buys a family fresh fruit & vegetables hamper

$100 buys a cold hamper for a family

$150 buys a family a non perishable hamper

Our lost property collection is getting full again! From Ugg boots to air pods and a very large collection of water bottles, if you are missing something come and check out our lost property at GBC! We also have a large selection of single earrings, ranging from colour stones and pretty dangling earrings, to gold hoops! We hope to clear this by mid-November so get in early to find your missing belongings. 

Collect items on Sunday or during staffed hours throughout the week!

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.

Our Festival of Christmas is just around the corner and we need your help. GBC wants to throw the doors open and invite our community to come and experience the true meaning of Christmas in a non-threatening way.  We are only able to provide this opportunity with the help of the GBC family.

Prepare For Christmas Working Bee - Saturday 29 November 8am 

On Saturday, 29th November, we’re hosting a working bee to transform our space for the Festival of Christmas! We’ll be setting up inside and out, decorating, and preparing crafts.

Festival of Christmas - 19, 20, 21 December 

Once prepared and the place is set, the Festival of Christmas comes alive through the participation of our community of faith. Your investment into a small but important role for a small moment in time will bring joy and energy to the event.  Each night needs 50 volunteers to bring this festival to life - so let's all jump in where we can to support each other as we bless our local community together.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast, coffee & conversation together with other local men on 22nd November! Guest speaker Bruce Munroe will share about his passion for mission!

All ladies and girls over 10 years old are invited to gather together and decorate a delicious Gingerbread House on the 6th Dec at 2pm- 4:30pm! Lollies and afternoon tea provided. A short Bible talk will be given. You are welcome to bring additional lollies and decorations. Choose from Original, Chocolate or Gluten Free Gingerbread when registering.
Register before Friday 28th November

On November 30th at 11:30am, we will be holding our AGM, where we’ll be presenting and passing the 2026 budget. Following this, we will be appointing Elders. Documents can be found below. Join us onsite or via Zoom.

Big Congrats to Belle Jones one of our Worship Leaders who was appointed School Captain at Inaburra for Year 12 2026. Belle is the last of the 6 Jones kids  - finishing the school era of the Jones Family strong. Great job!

Prayer Requests from Karen Watkins:  

I’d love you to pray for patience for me as my body continues to heal, specifically for: 
- a gradual return to work - my brain feels “squeezed” when I concentrate too hard; 
- ceasing of anxiety symptoms - still present in tingling lips, hands and feet; 
- over-stimulation from loud noises and enclosed spaces; and 
- lowering my blood pressure to an acceptable rate. 

If you have something for Family News, contact office@gymeabaptist.org.au or call on 9521 4611. 

Thank you to everyone who helped distribute the Fairtrade signs around the Sutherland Shire! A few signs haven’t made their way back yet, so if you still have one, please return it to the office as soon as possible!

Wednesday 26th November at Donald Robinson Village (DRV), meeting at 12-15 for a 12-30 start. All men are invited to attend.
 
Guest Speaker this month will be Matthew King, representing Anglicare, who will be speaking about Anglicare projects around the world. Cost is $20 for a light lunch
 
Please book by contacting the DRV Café, either in person or by phone (8543 7273, 9am to 2pm), by Thursday 19th November. Payment can be made by credit card or cash up to Wednesday, 26th November.
 
Any enquiries please ring Ian Scarfe on 0439 914 957