As we have been working through Romans (backwards) I have been aware of the disconnect between the original context and ours. While we are far from perfect and, of course, could do more to demonstrate and deepen our unity, the fault lines in our community of faith are substantially different than for the Roman church Paul was writing to. This week, one of the questions raised for the Big III podcast was, essentially, “What is the one thing that I feel we need to address with the same urgency that Paul with which urged the Romans?”
It’s a good question and one I’d like to pass on to you to consider with me. As I was considering how I might answer this question (and I had a crack at it, if you’d like to listen) I was struck by how “personal” my response was. In other words, I was a little unwilling to state what “the church” needed to do better and far more comfortable considering the sorts of things that I regularly need to be reminded about. It was, however, a beneficial exercise to imagine what a letter from Paul to me might include. And, in the context of Romans, it is an interesting thought-experiment to identify the doctrine and theology he might build his encouragement on. 
I’ll leave that with you as we continue to explore Paul’s epistle again this Sunday!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

This Weekend:

Matthew 17:1-8

The transfiguration is a message of how faith in Jesus transforms our daily lives.

When Gods voice spoke from the cloud He said “this is my beloved Son listen to Him”. In a world full of noise and distraction we need His guidance and focus.

Peter wanted to build shelters and hold on the the glorious spiritual experience. However Jesus led them back down the mountain to heal a suffering boy. Mountain top experiences can recharge us but our true mission is lived out in daily life with all its messiness.

Hope changes our perspective in life. The disciples were terrified about Jesus prediction of His death on the cross, so He gave them a glimpse of His future glory to sustain them. When we face valleys of grief or stress or uncertainty we can look to the transfiguration as a reminder that current suffering is temporary and our future is secure.

Barb Higgins | Elder

A message from Tony Gilbert: George and Sandra Beavis, John Hughes and I are all members of the Gideons Sutherland branch. We are having a Gideons Dinner to raise funds for Bibles for the World on Monday 21st of September 2026. RSVP by September 10th to Leandro Rozkiewicz 0466 115 377 or leandror.dcv@gmail.com. Click HERE for more info.

There have been quite a few medical procedures recently within the GBC family. Please keep this in your prayers! Pray for successful surgeries and procedures, complete healing and recovery, strength for each person, and plenty of rest. 

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.

Our GBC Men's Breakfast is coming up on Saturday 12 September from 7:30am-9:00am. We’ll be joined by guest speaker Matt Bradley, who's talk is titled ‘Son of a Convict’!

Come along for a great morning of food and fellowship!

Playtime is a unique and important ministry of GBC, creating opportunities to connect with and welcome families from our wider community. Playtime can only happen because of our amazing volunteers, and right now, we need more!

Playtime currently runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00am–12:00pm. Without volunteers, we cannot continue to run all of these sessions. 

Please prayerfully consider whether you might be able to help with Playtime, and please be praying that God would provide us with more volunteers to help this wonderful ministry continue. Let’s be others-focused and big-hearted!

Reach out to Playtime Coordinator meddwyn.hinton@gymeabaptist.org.au or fill in our serve expression of intreset form bellow. 

Kids Hope is holding a Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday 12 September, from 8:00am–4:00pm, at Caringbah Bunnings!

Alongside the sausage sizzle, there will also be a cake stall, and we’re looking for donations of baked goods such as sliced, cookies, cupcakes to sell on the day.

If you’d like to get involved, please drop your baked goods (no large cakes please) off at GBC on Friday 11 September, between 1:00pm–3:00pm. Please include the name and a list of ingredients with your donation.

Come along on the day and grab a snag, sweet treat and drink while helping us raise funds for Kids Hope!

You’re invited to join us for the Embrace Ladies Luncheon on Monday 21st September from 11.30am till 2.00pm in GBC Atrium.

Our Special Guest Speaker is Rhonda Montgomery who will be speaking on 
“Chaplaincy- presence in the moments that matter”.

Invite your friends and those in the community to join us. You can register here, on Link Tree, with Merilyn Hunt or Sonia Beresford after the morning service whilst Janine is overseas.

The cost for the luncheon is $20. RSVP by Wednesday 16th September.

For the month of September GBC will be focusing on partnering with Hopefield to rasie $40,000. This money will go towards funding a clinical counsellor two days a week, offering professional support to the most vulnerable in our community. This will be a counselling service for those impacted by trauma and domestic violence. 

Your generosity helps extend the love of Christ in a tangible way. Every donation is a step toward healing, restoration, and renewed hope.

Come and join us for fun, games and lots of dancing to exciting worship music! 
Friday 2 October at GBC
Dinner: 5:30pm–6:00pm
Disco: 6:00pm–7:30pm
$5 per child — includes a hot dog, drink, doughnut and glow sticks!
The disco will be catered to younger kids (preschool–year 4 ), but everyone is welcome! Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult.

Register bellow or via linktree

Sutherland Board of Christian Education

A message from Scotty B & Sue McCubben:

"Hi SBCE Supporters,

All women are warmly invited to join for dinner at The Crest Sylvania this Wednesday 9th September at 7pm.
The dinners are fun, informal, and a wonderful way to deepen friendships and build community within GBC.

Join the “GBC Women’s Dinner” Facebook page and invite your friends!

Hopefield are fundraising through the People First Community Lotto where 100% of the raffle tickets go to Hopefield!

1st Prize: Toyota Kluger Hybrid (RRP $67,451)

2nd Prize: Toyota Yaris Hybrid (RRP $32,691)

3rd Prize: List Northern Cruise (RRP $31,980)

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!