On Saturday evening our neighbourhoods will be filled with families going door-to-door for Halloween - at least to those homes who have indicated their willingness to participate with some skeletons protruding from the lawn, spiders stuck on the fence along with some cobwebs, and a jack-o-lantern. I must admit that I have mixed feelings about Halloween. On the one hand I dislike the decor - both thematically and environmentally - and the importing of a Hollywood version. On the other hand, there is something amazing about the community vibe as families walk the streets together. If only we could have the latter without the former!
Whatever the reason for the current cultural obsession may be, the roots of the observance are Christian. As early as the 8th century Christians in the West have set aside November 1 as All Saints Day when we remember the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who have gone before us. The vigil of All Saints Eve (Hallow E’en) often included visiting the graves of the departed. A very different perspective on death and the dead than current iterations! It wasn’t zombies but those who were part of the resurrection that were the focus.
This doesn’t resolve my mixed feelings about Halloween - I’ll still be glad to see the decorations taken down (though, positively, it has meant that plastic Rudolph’s have remained in storage!) and I’ll still marvel at the community spirit - but it is a good reminder both of the influence of Christianity (even if the echoes are hard to hear) and that we are part of what theologians call “the church triumphant” - those who have gone before us and are now with Christ. Have a great weekend and I hope to see you Sunday!

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 6:1-7 in our series Romans: Good News For All Of Us.

And/or, join us at our 5:00pm and stay for dinner afterwards! Adam Stewart is preaching on Mark 9:38-50 in our sermon series Who Do You Say That I Am?

Coming up: 

7 Nov: Men's Breakfast

8 Nov: Child Dedication Service

16 Nov: Embrace Ladies Christmas Luncheon 

28 Nov: Festival Of Christmas Working Bee

Why worry when you can pray, right? Lately I've found myself to be guilty of praying, and then worrying some more! I lose hope in receiving an answer instead of waiting expectantly for God to work as He promised. Now I know He may not answer exactly the way I asked, and I know theoretically that God’s answer is best. I have to hang on to His many promises to work in all situations, turning things to work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. And Jeremiah 29:11 helps when I struggle with tech issues and threats/scams: “I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a hope and a future.” Sometimes God’s answers to my prayers are miraculous. Mostly they go through the boggy jungle where I’m lost and are forced to struggle and battle opposition and even evil. But I’m learning to hang on tightly to my Saviour’s hand as He is with me, leading me (if I’m listening) and teaching me in a way that grows character, perseverance and hope. Romans 5:3-5
So next time I worry, I’ll pray, and happily trust God to answer in His time and in a way that shows me He loves me and has bigger plans and purposes than I could even ask for or imagine. The Father knows best!

Sonia Beresford | Elder

Please continue praying for our HSC Students as they enter into the final week of their exams. 

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.

Come along to our Embrace Christmas Ladies Luncheon being held on Monday 16th November at GBC from 11.30am til 2.00pm. Bring your friends to join us in the end of year Embrace Christmas Celebrations.

Our Special Guests are singer Jade Stegbauer and Roxanne who together will bring us a special Christmas message.

You can register via link below or through our linktree or with Janine at the tall desk after the Sunday service.
The cost of our Christmas lunch is $25. RSVP by Wednesday 11th November for catering purposes.

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!

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  

Mother’s Heart have released an October newsletter, giving us an opportunity to stay connected with the important work happening in Cambodia, made possible in part through the generosity of our Gymea Baptist Church community during May Mission Month. Click the link below to read the newsletter!

All young adults are invited to FULL JOY 26 this Thursday, 5 November, from 7:30–9:30pm at The Pavilion in Sutherland!

FULL JOY 26 is hosted by 360 Faith, in partnership with Shire Praise.

God is working in the lives of young adults today! He is raising up a new generation passionate about worship, prayer, evangelism, bold faith, truth and holiness.

FULL JOY 26 is an invitation for young adults and their leaders to come together and say “yes” to God — for ourselves, our churches and our city.

The 11th edition of the Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report and Guide officially launched on 20 October.

Check out the 2026 Ethical Fashion Guide online via the link below or through our Linktree.

Please pray that, as a church, we would be on-purpose and others-focused in the way we consume, and that we would advocate for positive change in the fashion industry.