Last week I reflected briefly on Waleed Aly’s opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald on political violence. On Monday, Independent MP Dr. Helen Haines, was struck by a 4x4 outside her office in Wangaratta, VIC. She is still, at the time of writing, in critical condition, having lost both of her legs in the attack. This shocking event has rattled us. While political violence is not unknown in Australia, there is a recognition that there is something far more troubling going on in this present moment. There is no one culprit we can identify - though there is a shortlist - and there is no single solution being offered either - though, again, there are a few things that would certainly move the needle. I have been particularly struck by the confusion, disorientation, and discouragement that exists in the wide variety of responses. Futurist Jamais Cascio has coined the acronym BANI to describe the world right now: brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible. The events of this last week, and the responses to it, are yet another example of this kind of world. As followers of Jesus, we know that this is not how it will end. It will end with every tongue confessing and every knee bowing to the restoring, renewing lordship of Christ. Between now and then, however, we need to think and act carefully and theologically as we navigate the complexities of a BANI world and hold out hope. There is, indeed, an opportunity for us to participate with what God is doing in the world - even now. So we pray, “Come Lord Jesus!” and seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we wait.

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

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! Marc Rader is preaching from Romans 5:15-17 in our series Romans: Good News For All Of Us.

HopeDrive is on this Sunday!

And/or, join us at our 5:00pm and stay for dinner afterwards! Roxane Lawler is preaching on Mark 9:30-37 in our sermon series Who Do You Say That I Am?

Coming up: 

7 Nov: Men's Breakfast

8 Nov: Child Dedication Service

Viewing Mattthew 21 through the eyes of the disciples.

Jesus chose His disciples sometime after the ministry of John the Baptist. Together with Jesus they have been on the road being taught and nurtured to the point where he is able to reveal the future to them. For most of his ministry he has instructed his disciples and those whom He has healed to be quiet about his identity.

All that is about to change as Jesus fulfilled prophecy by sending two of his disciples to fetch a donkey with a foal which he rode triumphally into Jerusalem at Passover time. The disciples find themselves caught in a roaring sea of Passover pilgrims. Jerusalem was packed with visitors beyond measure. They watch the crowds laying down cloaks and palm branches before Jesus as they shout out ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’.

The disciples witness the undeniable declaration that Jesus is the long awaited Messianic King. They witness Jesus flipping heavy tables over in the temple whilst he drove out the corrupt merchants and money changers. They witness Jesus as he turns the temple into a place of prayer where all people are welcome.

They witness the lame and the blind streaming into the temple while Jesus heals them and they witness children singing praises to Jesus.

There was so much more for the disciples to witness and to learn as Jesus was to be crucified just a few days later.

We thank You Lord Jesus for Shedding Your blood for us.

We thank You for the resurrection.

May our lives be a witness to all You have done for us.

Amen

Barb Higgins | Elder

Our Sandra Beavis was interviewed on Channel 7 for the anniversary of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Click HERE to watch the interview on Facebook!

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 was on last Saturday and it was a wonderful day!  A huge shout-out to Tracey Nelson and the rest of the GBC Catalyst team, as well as all the incredible, big-hearted and other-focused volunteers who made the day possible!

Thank you to everyone who helped distribute the Fairtrade signs around the Sutherland Shire! A few signs haven’t made their way back yet, so if you still have one, please return it to the office as soon as possible!

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 

The Church Council at GBC is a group who is concerned with governance, risk, and strategy. Members are voted in at the members meeting at the end of November. We are beginning the process by calling for nominations. Anyone who is a member in good standing can be nominated and the names given to the Nominating Committee who will approach, interview, and recommend names to the member’s meeting.
The PD for a Council member can be found [here].
Nominations can be sent to office@gymeabaptist.org.au before close of business on Monday November 2. 

On Wednesday 25 November Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT is holding an evening of prayer, practical learning and reflection online to explore how churches can respond to violence against women, support those impacted and help create safer spaces in our communities. 

Vicki Sherry will be speaking with Todd Darvas!

Register via link below  

Morling College is hosting an Open Night on Thursday 29 October!

Morling is a fantastic option for both vocational and personal study, with courses ranging from ministry and theology to counselling and education.

If you’re interested in studying at Morling in 2027, or just have questions about what’s on offer, come along online or on campus this Thursday!

Register below if you’re interested!