Our theme for 2026 is “Working Out Our Salvation Together” and I’ve been thinking about those people in my life who have helped me find my place in the mission of God. In the terms of Philippians 2:12, the “dear friends” who have served the body of Christ by helping me find my place in it. One of the most significant themes in my experience is others seeing potential in me long before I saw it in myself and inviting me to serve, to lead, to teach, etc. As I stepped in to those opportunities (often without really knowing what I was getting in to!) I experienced the grace of others, the enabling of the Spirit, and confirmation that there was a legitimate place for me in the body of Christ and the mission of God.
When I think of the “call of God” I often reflect on Jeremiah’s response to God’s call to be a prophet. I have often noted that Jeremiah’s excuses were valid - he was probably too young to serve as a prophet and not being rhetorically adept was indeed a distinct disadvantage for someone who was to speak for God - and have been challenged (and have tried to challenge others) to trust in God’s enabling rather focusing on my weaknesses. They didn’t invalidate God’s call of Jeremiah, and they don’t invalidate my participation. 
However, as I have reflected on my experiences, I realise I haven’t made excuses as much as I simply haven’t even considered that there would be a place for me and that the people who have been most influential in my Christian life are those who have invited me to join in. It’s not so much that I disqualify myself as that I don’t even considering getting involved. 
Maybe you’re the same. As we head into the year, let me encourage you - there is a place for you in God’s mission! The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower each of us to join in the Father’s plans to restore everything in Christ. Say “Yes” to finding your place in God’s mission this year!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Weekend:

This Sunday is our Annual GBC Family Lunch + Ministry Launch starting at 11:30am!

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am (online or onsite) or at 6:00pm (onsite) and stick around for a chat after!

Coming Up:

Monday 16th February: Embrace Luncheon 

Februrary 27 - March 1: GBC Youth Camp 

Reflection on 1 John 1:1-3

1 John was written by the apostle John.  It is possible that John was a teenager when he was called to follow Jesus.  However he was a very old man when he wrote this letter, and without a doubt he was the only living apostle.

Already heresy was creeping into the church where Jesus humanity was being questioned. 

John commences this letter with creation, just as he did in the Gospel he wrote.  This whole universe is Gods creation and in His hands.  John shares the joy of his relationship with Jesus. He had seen Him with his own eyes. He had touched Him and  handled Him, he had witnessed Jesus in the flesh.  

The purpose of this letter was to bring the readers into a right relationship with God.

The most important thing in life is not ‘things’ but ‘relationships’.  God has gifted us with the desire to seek relationships with others, but the most important relationship we can have is with Him.

We despair at what humanity has done to this world.  We despair at our failure to love others as we should.  We confess we have not built relationshjps with God as we should.

May our lives be a reflection of Gods goodness and grace.

Barbara Higgins | Elder

GBC is committed to being a safe church. Creating Safe Spaces training is facilitated by the Baptist Association and provides training to equip volunteers and ministry leaders to work with vulnerable people including children and youth.  This training ensures that we continue to stay others-focused and trustworthy. 

All are welcome to participate.  Ministry roles that include leadership roles and/or working with children or youth are required to complete this training.  The training includes two parts - Online Module and Face-to-Face Module.  The online module is to be completed prior to the Face-to-Face Module.

GBC will be hosting a Face-to-Face module training on 22 February 2026 from 12:30 - 3:30 PM.  

Cost is $15 for the online module and $25 for the face-to-face module.  Please contact Marjy Robertson if you need assistance in registering.

Sad News Alert - Please Be Praying 

Please hold Jo Manouk, part of our GBC morning service family, in your prayers, along with her daughter Eden and son-in-law Damien.

Tragically, Jo's grandson Dean passed away earlier this week. Dean was just 8 months old, and the family are heartbroken by this sudden loss.

We extend our deepest love and condolences to Jo and her whole family, and ask our church family to surround them with prayer, compassion, and gentle care in the days ahead.

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

Sutherland Board Of Christian Education

Dear Supporters, 
Please pray for -

• smooth transition for Aaron Smith and Joanne Smyth as they prepare and commence teaching Scripture, on Thursdays & Fridays at Gymea & Kirrawee High Schools.
• Primary SRE classes and teachers.
• students to engage and find faith & hope in these classes.
• From Sue McCubben for SBCE

After all the planning, designing and tendering, the actual works commenced on Monday 2 February. Anyone in the building could not miss all the noise, some dust and the frenetic pace that bits of building were being demolished and placed in the demolition truck. In the first 3 days doors, windows, walls, air conditioners, electrical wiring, some concrete flooring and carpet have all disappeared. Friday we expect the huge steel beam to be installed to support the first floor.

Work has also commenced on the new first floor office walls, and this will continue over the next 2 weeks making use of the concrete stairs. The stairs and part of the ground floor slab will then be removed enabling the bathroom plumbing to go in.

The building committee would like to thank Laura Van Breda, Grant Nelson and Brian Stewart for their expert input during the early phases of this project. A big thanks also to the staff and volunteers who removed all the furniture, documents and other valuable stuff from the work area.

We request that everyone stay out of the work area, remain patient of any noise or dust during the working period and be excited for the finished outcome at the start of June 2026.

GBC Building Committee

Hopefield are looking for a washing machine for a client in need. If you have one please contact our offices on 9545 0299 or email details/photos to admin@hopefield.org.au

GBC Youth Camp is on again in 2026. We are incredibly excited for everyone to come and join us for a weekend of epic fun and awesome connection with God and with one another! 

27th February - 1st March 2026 | Youthworks, Blue Gum Lodge, Springwood 

Registrations Close Sun 15th Feb

Any questions?
Please get in contact with our Youth & Young Adults Coordinator, Jeremy Brough, at jeremy.brough@gymeabaptist.org.au

Please note: all places have now been filled. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please see Janine.

The first Embrace Ladies Luncheon for the year will be held on Monday 16 February, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Due to renovations being carried out at the church our luncheon will be held at the Camilla Gardens Tea Room. This will be an opportunity for our GBC ladies to catch up and to invite friends from the community, however there will be no Guest Speaker.

This luncheon is strictly limited to 34 places so get in early and sign up with Janine after the morning service or contact her on 0405629790. The cost of the set lunch is $23 to be paid on the day.

There has been a lot happening over the month of January to help enhance our facilities to provide safe, welcoming spaces for ministry opportunities. 

-Hotham Cottage - Refresh!
Our playtime ministry is a vital aspect of our community engagement and meets every morning Monday - Thursday to provide a safe and supportive environment for young families. The maintenance team have spent January refreshing and repainting the interior.  It looks amazing and speaks value to our community to enter into a fresh space. Thanks to all on the maintenance team!

-Old Hall - Re-carpeted!
What a difference new carpet makes!  The new carpet squares for the old hall and front room has invested into our Next Generation Ministries. Weekly this space is used by our Kids Ministry Kindy - year 4 on Sunday, EDGE on Wednesday and Youth on Friday.  Hopefield also use this space throughout the week. And we have external groups who utilise this space.  It is so wonderful to welcome all of these groups into a space that is safe and fresh.  Thank you to Brian Stewart who sourced all the quotes for the re-carpet and Altavi Young-Atwell for organising all the contractors.

-Renovations - Moving and re-settling. 
The GBC staff are working in new locations.  You will find all of us upstairs in the Mezzanine, Board Room, or Blue Room.  When you come onsite, please make your way upstairs or ring the bell at the bottom of the stairs for a staff member to come down.  We thank you for your patience during this time. See the renovation report for more details.