On Tuesday Australia conducted its 19th national census. It has been held every five years since 1961. The data collected informs community planning, funding, services, and policy. It’s not the only source of information governments use, but it is a significant data point. The findings will also be helpful for us as a community of faith as we consider the changing nature of Australia and our local area too.
This year will also mark the 8th National Church Life Survey (NCLS) which has been held every five years since 1991. As a community of faith we will be joining  thousands of other churches all across Australia to contribute to a snapshot of the church later this year. The report, like the census, will provide us with insights that will shape ministry and mission over the next few years.
Finally, and most closely to home, we will be completing our annual survey this Sunday. This survey, shortened from last year, is one way we seek to gauge how we’re going as a community of faith in our three strategic areas of Belonging, Community Engagement, and Spiritual Journey. It, more so than either the census or the NCLS, will be used by our leadership to inform our plans for 2027. It’s not the only source of information we use, but it does provide us with a significant data point!
For those of you who will be with us - online or onsite - you’ll get a chance to complete the survey on Sunday. For those of you who aren’t able to join on Sunday, we’ll be sending a link early next week so that you can have your say and contribute to our wider discernment process.
See you Sunday!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

This Weekend:

Matthew 14:22–33 

This is a dramatic story of Jesus walking on water, calming a storm, and saving Peter when his faith fails. It is a reminder that courage and

trust in Jesus overcomes fear and doubt. 
“Take Courage, It Is I, do not be afraid.”  

When the winds of life howl and the waves rise, fears whispers to us that we will sink. But Jesus walks into our storm, saying: 

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 

Peter dared to step out in faith, yet sank when he took his eyes off Jesus. Jesus was there to catch him, to question his little faith and restore him. They enter the boat together, and the wind ceases and the storm is calmed. The disciples declare He the Son of God. This story is not just about water and waves. It is about every storm in our lives, the uncertainties, the trials, the doubts. Faith does not mean the storms disappear; it means we are never alone. Courage is not the absence of fear but faith in the one who says: 

“Take courage, it is I: do not be afraid”

Barb Higgins | Elder

On Sunday 23^rd and 30^th August, after both services, our GBC Catalyst team will be running a Baptist World Aid Better Gifts Stall with journals and the BWA Disaster Toolkit Cards available for purchase. 

Our online congregation can join in by visiting Better World Gifts through Baptist World Aid. You can find a link to this on our linktree or click link bellow.

Better World Gifts are meaningful, ethical, and fun!

Our Maintenance Team is made up of wonderful volunteers who are passionate about creating warm, welcoming spaces for everyone at GBC. This includes caring for our outdoor areas and gardens, which help make our church grounds inviting and enjoyable for our congregation and visitors.

Recently, Sutherland Shire Council distributed free native seedling vouchers, and the team would love to use these to refresh and revitalise the gardens around our main car park. Native plants are a great way to add colour and life to our grounds while creating a welcoming environment that we can all enjoy.

If you have received a voucher but don’t plan to use it, we would love to put it to good use! Simply drop your unused voucher into the GBC mailbox outside.

Thank you for helping us grow and care for our GBC gardens!

Have something to celebrate, share, or pray about? Whether it's a graduation, engagement, wedding, new baby, new job, house move, health concern, or praise point, we'd love to hear from you. Contact the church office at office@gymeabaptist.org.au or 9521 4611 so we can share in these moments as a church family.

You are invited to join the GBC ladies for morning tea at the Bud Cafe, Flower Power, Taren Point on Wednesday 19th August from 10.00am til 11.30am.
Invite your friends from the community for a relaxed time of catching up.
You can register with Sonia at the book nook after the Sunday morning service whilst Janine is away.

A church-wide email titled "2026 Financial Update and Appeal" from Marc Rader was sent to our church family on the 31st July.

If you haven't had the chance to read it yet, you can view the email by clicking the link below. Thank you for taking the time to read this important update and prayerfully consider its message.

1973 Franklin Regent Converted Food Van

It is equipped with a food preparaton sink and hand-washing sink, smeg oven, deep cycle battery and is registered until November 2026!

Contact Hopefield at 02 9545 0299 or admin@hopefield.org.au for additinal details or inspection! 

Sutherland Board of Christian Education

You are invited on Thursday, 24 September at 7:00 pm for a fun Trivia Night in support of our Scripture teachers, Aaron and Joanne.

Gather your friends and make up a table for an entertaining evening hosted by Scott at Gymea Anglican Church Hall.

Cost: $10 per person

There will also be an auction on the night, with all proceeds helping to support the ministry.

GBC YOUTH are heading to State Youth Camp again this year! 

Friday 25 Sept – Monday 28 Sept at Wyong Christian Community School

Register online now via the link bellow! 

General registration closes 31 August