This Sunday we are formally recognising Adam Stewart’s appointment as Associate Pastor of Community Engagement. It’s an opportunity for us to recognise God’s ongoing provision (and his perfect timing) as well as a chance to reflect on the invitation to participate in his work in the world. I hope you can join us onsite or online as we induct him into his role and pray for him as he begins his ministry among us (even though he started two weeks ago!).

Immediately after the service we will be resetting the auditorium for Soundings. This is a 90 minute focus group in which we invite those who are committed to our community of faith to provide additional insights, thoughts, and ideas to the leadership as we begin our planning cycle. This is often an extension of our annual survey and this year is no different. Our theme is “Spiritual Journey” and we are going to be considering what it means to experience growth in our relationship with God. We have three questions that we’re going to engage in over those 90 minutes. Thanks to those who have already registered for Soundings. And it’s not too late to join in – you can let us know you’re planning to be there [HERE]

Soundings is more than a talk-fest, but is another opportunity for us to be the church and seeking to discern together where God may be leading us.

It’s another full Sunday – and I haven’t even mentioned that we’re looking at the Nephilim passage in Genesis 6:1-8!! – I hope to see you there.

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor

This Sunday 

Adam Stewart's Induction Service at the 9:30am service only. Tea and coffee after!

Soundings 11:30am-1pm

HopeDrive 1:30-3:30pm

6pm service followed by dinner together!

Coming up:

For the month of Septmeber: Hopetember

Save The Date:

26th September: State Youth Camp

18th October: Fair Trade Market

6th December: Ladies Gingerbread Decorating Afternoon

HopeDrive is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and generosity! 

Drop off non-perishable items via a Drive Thru at GBC from 1:30-3:30pm on Sunday afternoon!

See the August shopping list for the items in the most need this month. Drop-offs of non-perishable goods can also be made into the labelled bins in the church foyer during staffed hours, or on Sunday at either service. Financial contributions are also appreciated so Hopefield can purchase perishable goods [click here to donate]

$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 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
acknowledge Him in all your ways and he will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

When life is difficult, when our prayers seem unanswered or God feels distant, we need to remember why it is that we still put our faith in God and trust Him no matter what.
Temptation to work it all out ourselves or act impulsively is often our main response. It’s true that “sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it”. Genesis 4:7. Like Eve too, we are tempted to believe that God is not enough. Wrong!
God has poured out His love on us, adopts us as His own and has the desire and power to work all things out better than we can imagine. Trust in God who, despite our sinfulness, continues to show us His grace and work in us to help us know Him better.

Sonia Beresford, Elder

All Women are invited to the Embrace Ladies Luncheon!
Join us on Monday 15th September from 11:30am to 2.00pm 

 In Atrium, Gymea Baptist Church
Come along to be inspired and catch up with friends or meet others from GBC and the community. Feel free to invite a friend too!

You can register [here] or see Janine at the tall table after the Sunday service or contact her on 0405 629 790.

RSVP by Wednesday 10th September.

Saturday 6th September, 7:30–9:00am at Gymea Baptist Church. There has been a swap in guest speakers - Sam Hudson is now going to be sharing about Consumption and Contribution!

Join us for a great morning together! 
Register below.

Soundings 2025 is this Sunday! We are meeting after the AM service from 11:30am to 1pm

Join us for a time of listening, sharing, and reflecting in small focus groups. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard as we seek God’s direction together. We would love love love to hear from you!

Click the link below to RSVP!

After an initial round of tenders for the renovation we have had to reassess a couple of features of the plans to fit within the budget. The committee is well on the way to completing this task and is hopeful to be able to initiate a second round of tenders in October. The immediate implication is that the work is not currently expected to be completed this calendar year, but early in the new year. Further updates will be made as the project advances. Please keep the project in your prayers.

* Please continue to pray for the Drury family and for Karen Watkins as they each recover from major neurosurgery.

* While we don’t know of any other specific updates, we encourage you to pray for all those in our church family who may be unwell, weary, injured, or struggling in any way. 

If you have something for Family News, contact office@gymeabaptist.org.au or call on 9521 4611. 

Sutherland Board Of Christian Education

Hi Board Supporters,
Many thanks, we raised around $1000 at our recent ‘Meet the SRE Teachers’ event.

Please pray for:
Aaron having a short family holiday and then he’ll continue to teach SRE at Kirrawee High on Fridays as well as Thursdays at Gymea.
better student SRE attendance at Gymea.
refreshment for Joanne, teaching Thursdays  and having family time on Fridays for 2025.

Keep weekend of OCTOBER 18/19 free for a fun fundraiser BOARDWALK. 
Commence training now, choose your target, gather your sponsors. Form coming soon!

God bless you, 
Sue McCubben 

Christmas Trees Wanted!

Can you belive Christmas is coming up again?!

We are hoping to 'grow' a forest of Christmas trees for our Festival of Christmas this year, 21st-23rd December.

If you have a tree you could donate for the weekend of the festival, or if your thinking of purchasing a new tree this year and are needing to offload your old Christmas tree please contact Jackie Martin [HERE]

On Thursday the 11th of September headspace Miranda will be hosting a workshop for parents of HSC students to learn tips to support students during exams and ensure wellbeing. Although this is not a GBC ministry, we believe it could be helpful for parents in our community.

It will be at Miranda Library on Wandella road from 6pm-7pm. 

You are invited to join us for a short but effective time of “zoom” prayer Thursday at 7:30pm. A 30 minute guided prayer led by one of our wonderful GBC Elders. You can join in using this link JOIN PRAYER ZOOM or using the Meeting ID: 919 1693 5880 Passcode: f603j2. We look forward to spending this time together in prayer.