One of the most well-known passages in Psalms is surely Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I suspect that this text has been a particular source of comfort and challenge over the last three weeks. As the war in the Middle East continues into its third week with no sign of abating, we need a framework for hope and prayer and Psalm 46 provides that in spades.
The psalmist describes a chaotic and unstable world; the natural one and the man-made one. The earth gives way, the mountains collapse into the surging seas while the nations are in uproar and at war. In the midst of this fearful pandemonium is the city of God; anchored and secure in his presence. This is not, however, just a safe place for his people to weather the storm. Rather, the city of God is an outpost of the kingdom of heaven; the first place his reign and rule has been established before his final victory over all nations. The plans and purposes of God are to make wars cease to the ends of the earth. When the LORD speaks, he speaks to the unruly nations - “Be still!” It is a command first, and only then an encouragement to his people. Our hope comes from the fact that one day, in Christ, God will say “Enough! Be still!” At that point he will, indeed, be exalted among the nations and in the earth. Let us continue to trust in God and prayer for an end to all wars.

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Weekend:

Saturday 14 March: GBC Men's Breakfast at 7:30am

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

Reflecting on my time with the Ambulance chaplaincy team during the pandemic, I’m reminded how those experiences embodied the values of the Kingdom. In a season marked by uncertainty and strict public health restrictions, we chose to serve faithfully. Behind masks and constant handwashing, we continued to show kindness, compassion, and love. Even in the most constrained circumstances, we sought to bless others, living out the encouragement of Romans 12:14.

The feedback from paramedics and trainees affirmed the significance of this ministry. During induction, 86% reported that their interaction with chaplains enhanced their sense of wellbeing. A strong 93% said they enjoyed connecting with chaplains. Importantly, 73% said they would likely seek chaplain support in the future.

Beyond the statistics, what stands out most is the recognition that everyone had something to give, and something to receive. Each chaplain brought different gifts. One offered warmth while another contributed discipline. Some expressed sensitivity: others provided direction. There were skilled managers and creative thinkers, innovators, dreamers and leaders. Some brought quiet presence; others offered practical wisdom (sometimes merged with dad jokes).

Purposeful activity emerged when these diverse gifts were not held separately but harmonised. As individuals willingly worked together, recognising and valuing each other’s strengths, something remarkable happened. The collaboration created a synergy greater than any one contribution alone. In those moments, it felt almost magical: a collective unifying effort directed toward the greater good of the Kingdom.

Dear God, shape us into a community where strength listens, and gentleness speaks; where leadership invites, and quiet voices are heard. May we learn to harmonise our differences so that something greater than any one of us may emerge—wisdom shared, compassion multiplied, and hope strengthened.

Guide us so that our service may reflect your love, our collaboration your grace, and our common life the beauty of your Kingdom. Amen.

Greg Williams | Elder

This past week work was very noisy but that is drawing to an end. That work included demolition of the redundant stairs and breakout and excavation beneath the concrete floor in preparation for plumbing work.

There has been work of a quieter nature in preparing to fit new office doors, painting the first floor walls and ceilings. The first floor air conditioning ducting is well advanced and some light fittings are in place.

Next week will see the contractor move focus onto the ground floor spaces with wall framing and plaster work that should finally enclose the renovation site. Leading from this weeks excavation, plumbing for the kids room toilet and wash space will be joined into the existing sewer line. There is some concern around this as it's an old pipeline and the camera probe shows that there are some blockages to be cleared.

On the first floor they'll continue with outfit including final coatings, suspended ceiling panels, lighting and floor levelling of the first floor office spaces.

GBC Building Committee

Come along this week the Embrace Ladies Morning Tea on Wednesday 18th March from 10.00am til 11.30am at Blackfish Cafe, Como. Invite a friend and catch up with the ladies from GBC. Whilst Janine is away register with Sonia at the book nook after the service to reserve a spot.

On Monday, 2 March, an evacuation order in Lebanon, and airstrikes over certain areas of the country, forced civilians from around 50 villages to flee their homes. 

To give today, or for more information, visit bwaa.co/lebanon. Please also join us in praying to our loving God for the unfolding situation in the Middle East.

Pray for: 

God's protection and provision for families that have been displaced. 
A peaceful resolution that promotes justice and upholds the rights of the vulnerable. 
Strength and encouragement for churches across the Middle East. 
God’s protection and care over our Baptist Partner’s staff and volunteers.

During term 2, GBC will be hosting an Alpha course.  Alpha is a great opportunity to explore faith for yourself or with a friend or relative who might be interested in asking some questions.

My invitation to you today is to start wondering… do you have questions about faith you’d like to explore, or is there someone in your world that might?  

All Welcome! This month's women's dinner is this Wednesday, 18th March, at Taren Point Hotel, 105 Parraweena Road, Miranda from 7pm. It's a chance for conversation & connection over a meal, for all GBC women. Come and meet some of the awesome ladies who make up our church family. Join our GBC Women's Dinners Facebook group for more info, or ask Chris Moffat or Roxane Lawler to add you to the Whats App Group if you're not on Facebook. 

All men are invited to our Men’s Breakfast this Saturday 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

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

Wednesday 25th March at Donald Robinson Village (DRV), meeting at 12-15 for a 12-30pm start. All men are invited to attend. Cost is $20 for lunch which includes sweets and tea/coffee.

Guest Speaker this month is local man, Clint Beattie, who has suffered serious, life-threatening illness. Clint will tell us his inspiring story of Faith, Healing and Transformation.Please book by contacting the DRV Café, either in person or by phone (8543 7273, 9am to 2pm), by Thursday 19th March. Payment can be made by credit card or cash up to Wednesday, 25th March.

Any enquiries please phone Ian Scarfe on 0439 914 957.