Over the course of this month we have been focusing on the work of Hopefield. Two standout featurs of this therapeutic and social service organisation are its commitment to work with people as long as they are willing to do so and its commitment to its Christian foundations. These twin commitments contribute to the unique impact of Hopefield in our local community - and it’s quite an impact! 
The partnership between GBC and Hopefield is critical to this ongoing impact. At an organisational level we have worked hard to integrate what we do. Things includes rent-free use of the rooms that house their services, inclusion in other infrastructure (e.g., phones, book keeping software), alongside financial contributions, and a commitment to support the work of Hopefield in prayer.
Our financial contribution takes many forms including a budget line and two annual appeals. This month we are seeking to raise $40,000 to fund a two-day-a-week Family and DV counsellor (Sue Chin). We are currently  sitting at about $14,500 and I would like to encourage all who are able to prayerfully consider what the Lord may be inviting you to contribute. All donations are tax-deductible and every little bit helps. I don’t need to convince you about the importance of this work - there seems to be another tragic act of violence every other day! In faith, we look forward to a day when the statistics begin to reverse themselves and there is a genuine reduction of domestic and family violence. Until then, we do what we can to support the restoration and renewal of all things!
This coming Sunday, which coincides with Hope Drive, we’ll be hearing about the food distribution and the ways this interacts with the wider programs and services Hopefield offers. If you’re able, bring a few items of non-perishable goods!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

This Sunday:

It's going to be a great Sunday! Kids will be joining us in the service as it's school holidays! Our youth is heading off to SYC, we are continuing our Hopefield focus month, and it is Hopedrive!

We'd love to see you onsite or online for our 9:30am service, followed by tea and coffee. Or, join us at our 5:00pm and stay for dinner afterwards!

Coming Up:

Oct 2: GBC Kids Worship Disco

Everyday there seems to be another disaster or war affecting lives and countries . We’re often asked to donate money to help and to pray. Evenly locally at GBC there are opportunities to give, especially this month to Hopefield -for the work of Sue Chin in the area of Family and Domestic Violence and Hope-Drive this Sunday to refill their pantry. Also the chance to cook a meal or two for a new mum. The church offerings also need a boost.
What is God calling you to do?
2 Corinthians 9:11 is encouraging: 'You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.’ Let’s not underestimate the power in giving generously and its importance to the work of God in the world

Sonia Beresford | Elder

A huge congratulations to all our wonderful Year 12 students who have celebrated their graduation this week! Please be praying for our Year 12s as they plan for what’s next and continue studying for their HSC!

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.

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 interest form below. 

This Sunday is our final week of focusing on the work of Hopefield to raise $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 below or via linktree

HopeDrive is on Sunday, an opportunity for us to be others-focused and big-hearted by giving non-perishable items via a Drive Thru Drop Off service from 1:30-3:30pm at GBC.

If you can't make it to church next week but would like to be involved, you can drop of items throughout the week during staffed hours to the white tubs in GBC foyer or  you can donate finically HERE

$20 buys fresh fruit and vegetables for an individual 
$40 buys fresh fruit and vegetable for a family 
$60 buys fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein for an individual 
$100 buys fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein for a family 

See shopping list in link below, the highlighted items this month are in desperate need!

We have been running our Fair Trade Market since 2012, and it is always a wonderful day celebrating and supporting ethical, fair-trade and sustainable products from around the world! Our amazing volunteers play a huge part in making the market possible.

Volunteer roles:

Set up 7:00am-9:00am Helping traders unload their wares and setting up BBQ.
Welcome  9:00am-2:00pm Welcoming people at the door, mingling around coffee and throughout the fair.
BBQ 10:00am-2:00pm Cooking serving and selling drinks
Cake Stall  9:00am-2:00pm Selling cakes. Proceeds go toward printing the next Ethical Fashion Guide
Children's Activities 9:00am-2:00pm (For over 18 year olds, Creating Safe Spaces Course and Working with Children Check is needed) Supervising jumping castle and craft.
Pack up 2:30pm-4:00pm Helping traders move their goods and displays out then tidying up the hall ready for Sunday.

If you’re keen to get involved please get in touch with Tracey Nelson or email fairtrade@gymeabaptist.org.au.

Have you had a baby in the last few years and have never dedicated that child? We are hosting a Child Dedication Service on Sunday November 8 for all parents/primary caregivers of children and babies.

We'd love to pray for your child and stand with you as you thank God for them, and dedicate them.  Please see a Pastor, or email Roxane Lawler (roxane.lawler@gymeabaptist.org.au) or our Children's Ministry Coordinator (Rebecca Vernum) if you would like further information and to express your intreset in dedicating your child. 

We have a Baptism Service coming up on the 18th of October! If you have been thinking about getting baptised or want to know more about what it means we’d love to hear from you! 

Register your interest below or get in touch with one of our pastors to find out more! 

GBC YOUNG ADULTS DINNER 

Saturday 10th October at 6:30pm at The Como Hotel

Come grab a feed and a drink and get together for good chats, good food and good community!

Come as you are, whoever you are.

We’d love to see you there!