Last Sunday we held our 1st Annual Family Lunch and Ministry Launch. Nearly 180 people stuck around after our morning service or joined from our evening service. The vibe we were going for was “Sunday School picnic" (but inside at tables) and I think we got close. A few games (which were really an opportunity to meet and interact with others), a few short interviews and a reflection on our theme - Working Out Our Salvation Together - followed by box lunch, all wrapped up by 1:00. I was delighted at the turnout and am already looking forward to our 2nd Annual Family Lunch!

This Sunday we are beginning our primary biblical sermon series for the year in Paul’s epistle to the Romans. It is entitled Good News For All Of Us and will allow us to continue to explore our theme over the course of the year. There are few books of the Bible that have been as impactful as Romans and I am expectant that we will be challenged by what we read together. The twist is that we will be reading the epistle backwards. Yes, you read that correctly! The reason is that the end of the letter and the lessons that Paul wants to impart shapes how we understand the first part of the letter with all its doctrine and theology. This week we’ll be looking at the long list of greetings in Romans 16 and seeking to discern how the end prepares us for the beginning. It should be fun and I hope to see you there - onsite or online - as we continue to work out our salvation together!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Weekend:

Join us for church this Sunday as we start our new sermon series in Romans titled Good News For All Of Us! 

Coming Up:

Monday 16 February: Embrace Luncheon 

Sunday 22 February: HopeDrive | Creating Safe Spaces Training

Februrary 27 - March 1: GBC Youth Camp 

Saturday 14 March: Men's Breakfast 

Sunday 15 March: Baptism Sunday 

A Non‑Anxious Presence

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8 We live in turbulent and unsettling times. News cycles move at a relentless speed, public discourse often feels harsh, and uncertainty seems to linger in many corners of daily life. In such an environment, it is easy for anxiety to become contagious. Yet Psalm 4:8 offers a gentle but profound invitation: to rest in the steady faithfulness of God rather than in the shifting circumstances around us. As Christians, we are called not merely to speak about peace but to embody it. Being a non‑anxious presence is not denial of reality nor indifference to trouble; rather, it is a quiet confidence that God remains sovereign and attentive. When we listen patiently, respond thoughtfully, and resist the pressure to react in haste, we create space for others to breathe and to hope. Our calm trust can become a form of pastoral care. In meetings, conversations, and decisions, we can model prayerful discernment instead of urgency. By anchoring ourselves in God’s peace, we help others discover that even in turbulent times, it is still possible to lie down in safety and rise with renewed strength.

Derek Mullins | 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.

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

GBC Building Works Update 2 13/02/2026

The second week of the building works has the new offices taking shape, plenty of cables everywhere and preparing surfaces for new plasterboard.

Next week will involve some concrete grinding to help level the floors in the new office space and scaffolding will be erected in the atrium to construct the wall of the upstairs balcony 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

All men are invited to our Men’s Breakfast on Saturday 14 March, from 7:30–9:00am at Gymea Baptist Church. Join us for breakfast, connection, and a message from Adam Stewart, our Associate Pastor

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

Wednesday 25th February at Donald Robinson Village (DRV), meeting at 12-15 for a 12-30 start. All men are invited to attend.
 
Guest Speaker this month is DRV Resident, John Hunter, who will speak on his experiences living and teaching in Papua New Guinea. 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 February. Payment can be made by credit card or cash up to Wednesday, 25th February