This Sunday we wrap up the first part of our Romans series: Good News For All of Us. We have been working our way backwards through the final section of the epistle (chapters 12-16) and wrap up looking at 13:8-14 (just to make it more confusing!). I have found focusing on the pastoral crisis that Paul is addressing in the Roman community of faith super helpful. It has really drawn out how important it is for the church to demonstrate the unity that the gospel brings. Unity is not something we achieve but is something we apply as we gather together. It has been a reinforcement of our theme: Working Out Our Salvation Together. I am grateful for the unity that I see demonstrated in our community of faith. While there is always more we can do to put into practice what we believe has happened to us in Christ, there is plenty to give thanks for and I, like Paul for the Romans, give thanks for your faith. Let us commit ourselves to being reminded of these things again (Romans 15:15) and set ourselves to greater obedience (16:19).

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Weekend:

Join us for church this Sunday as we wrap up the first part of our Romans series: Good News For All of Us

In the gospel of Matthew, Joseph is the central, righteous figure in the infancy narrative, acting as the legally adoptive father who links Jesus to the line of David.

When Joseph found Mary to be pregnant God spoke to him through an angel. He trusted God implicitly, immediately obeying angelic messages to take Mary as his wife, to flee to Egypt, and later return to Nazareth.

Joseph, is portrayed as a profoundly righteous, obedient, and compassionate man. He was a humble carpenter from the line of David, playing a crucial supportive role in the life of Jesus, and no doubt taught Jesus the skills of carpentry.

There are no recorded words spoken by Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, in the Bible. He was a silent hero.

We praise you Lord for the life of Joseph, the faithful guardian of our Lord and Saviour.

We thank you that he was a silent hero and a model of quiet strength, humility and faithful dedication. May our lives be a reflection of that dedication to Jesus. Amen

Barb Higgins | Elder

Renovation work is within budget and there's no foreseeable risk of that changing at this late stage.

The main points of interest are:

• The atrium scaffolding will remain in place until some re-glazing is completed,
• The sewer was cleared and the drain line to the ground floor installed,
• The ground floor now has internal plaster walls importantly around the wash space and toilet these have a concrete floor,
• The current preschool has a new entry door fitted just off the foyer landing.  This Sunday the existing entry will be used.

Next week :

• The current preschool room will have a new storage room erected where the old door and steps were,
• Work in the staff meeting room and office #5.
• The ground floor plaster work to complete with paint and tiling of the wash space and toilet will commence,
• Cabinetry in for the wash space/kitchenette will commence.

GBC Renovation committee will engage floor covering companies to measure and quote for the new areas and our fire service company to add extra sensors for the new rooms.

Annual General Meeting Two
Next Sunday, March 29th at 11:30am. 

We’d love for you to join us!

Click [HERE] to view the 2025 Annual Report.
Click [HERE] for meeting documents.

Thank you for your support over the last few weeks in particular with the Lebanon Disaster Appeal. Here is a summary update, provided by Baptist World Aid.

800,000 people are currently displaced in Southern Beirut according to the Lebanese government. Displaced people have been seeking shelter wherever they can find it. Some have gone to schools or have rented hotel rooms or apartments. But there are still many others who have been unable to find a place to go.

Baptist World Aid’s local Baptist partner, in connection with local churches across Lebanon, are actively responding to the needs of people affected by the war. As of now, they are supporting 5,000 individuals and are preparing to increase our support to more people if the conflict continues. Our partner is distributing mattresses, blankets, winter clothing, milk, and other essential items through local partners. Meanwhile, Baptist churches, schools, and theological colleges run by our Christian partner are helping provide safe accommodation and daily meals to families who have fled their homes.

We are asking that our partners and friends pray for wisdom for leaders in Lebanon, the Middle East, and the world. We thank you for your ongoing support.

To see more, watch this video uploaded by Merath to their Facebook page this week.

GBC will be hosting an Alpha course, commencing on 12th May. 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?  

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.

Our Catalyst team will have a table set up each Sunday until Easter to help you learn how to choose better chocolate. Let’s be others-focused, big-hearted, and on-purpose in the way we consume this Easter! Visit our Linktree to find the links to the Chocolate Scorecard and learn how to choose slavery-free chocolate.