This morning an article in the Sydney Morning Herald caught my eye. In an opinion piece, Waleed Aly reflected on the growing number of Australians - 9% (or nearly 2 million people) - who  believe that political violence is sometimes justified. Aly reflects on disturbing trends in the US and UK and urges diligence to avoid a similar escalation in Australia. What truly piqued by interest, however, was his point of reference for the 9%. This was reflected in the title of his article: “More Australians believe in political violence than go to church each week. This won’t end well.” In the opening paragraph, he cites the National Church Life Survey figures of 1.35 million weekly church goers as a point of comparison to the growing 9%. There was no other reference to church attendance or religious faith, but… I found myself hoping that people who are regularly part of a community of faith might be part of the solution! 
I know that this wasn’t Aly's point, but might things ‘end better’ if those who are committed to Jesus were to respond to the anger, fear, and violence of our society with the peace, hope, and love that comes from God? I certainly hope so.

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

This Saturday:

Fair Trade Market at GBC From 9:00am-2:00pm!

This Sunday:

We'd love to see you onsite or online at our 9:30am service, and stick around afterwards for chats, tea and coffee!

And/or, join us at our 5:00pm and stay for dinner afterwards!

Coming up: 

21 Oct: Embrace Morning Tea

25 Oct: Hopedrive

7 Nov: Men's Breakfast 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Every weekday, Karl Faase (our previous Senior Pastor) publishes a devotional called “Daily Nudge.” I found this Thursday’s reflection particularly encouraging:

“One of the great passages in the Bible is in Paul's first letter to his friends at Corinth. He wants to encourage them and in chapter 13, he writes about love. This passage is well known and often read at weddings.

Paul talks about love in three ways in this short passage. He writes of the necessity of love. This is a great truth of life. We all need love to survive and none of us can survive without it.

He tells them of the character of love which is demonstrated in the life of Jesus as caring, giving and selfless.

Finally, Paul talks about the permanence of love. Everything else will eventually disappear, but love will remain. It's a wonderful reminder of God's gift of love to us.

God is the author of love and that love is necessary for life, selfless in character, and permanent.”

I pray that all three aspects of love will be demonstrated in my life

Derek Mullins | Elder

Continue praying for our HSC Students

Please pray for:-

Lucy B

Oliver dS

Marcus H

Belle J

Evander L

Hannah S

Naomi S

Hugo vB

...and any others that come to mind.  Pray for peace, clear thinking, focus and a ready recollection of what they have studied.  Above all, pray that they would know their identity and worth are found in Christ and God's love for them, not in their achievements or efforts. 

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.

The Fair Trade Market is on this Saturday from 9:00am–2:00pm, and it’s going to be a great day!
Every purchase makes a difference in the fight to end modern slavery.
Invite your friends and family, and come along! We can’t wait to see you there!

Come and join us at the Embrace Ladies Morning tea on Wednesday 21st October from 10.00am til 11.30am at Hazelhurst, Gymea.
Invite your friends for a great time of fellowship.
You can register with Janine or one of the Embrace team after the Sunday morning service or ring Janine on 0405 629 790.

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. 

Wednesday 28th October at Donald Robinson Village (DRV), meeting at 12-15 for a 12-30 start. All men are invited to attend. Guest Speaker this month will be Ron Cameron, Board Chairman of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC). Cost is $20 for a light lunchPlease book by contacting the DRV Café, (8543 7273, 9am to 2pm), by Thursday 22nd  October. Payment can be made by credit card or cash up to 28th October.

Any enquiries please ring Ian Scarfe on 0439 914 957

GBC Men's Breakfast is on Saturday 7th November from 7:30am-9:00am. We’ll be joined by guest speaker Bruce Harbour, who's talk is titled ‘Christians in Politics? What?’! 

Bruce will share a testimony of his unexpected involvement in a Christian political party in South Africa and how this is relevant to the upcoming NSW State Elections

Come along for a great morning of food and fellowship!

HopeDrive is such a wonderful opportunity to be big-hearted and other-focused! Each donation makes a positive impact in the lives of people in our community!

Drive thru Drop off Sun 25th October 1:30pm-3:30pm Or use tubs in foyer any Sunday or in office hours

If you would like to donate financially you can do so via this LINK