MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR
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I felt led this week to reflect on 2 Chronicles 20 which narrates the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he responded to the threat of invasion. The story opens with “After this...” which refers to the king’s attempts to turn the people back to the Lord, to the reformation of the justice system, and the strengthening of the religious institutions of Judah and Jerusalem.
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“After this” God-pleasing work, we are a little shocked that Jehoshaphat does not experience the blessing of God, but faces an overwhelming military threat. What struck me is that help is not immediately offered by the Lord, but only after the people seek his help. They gather before the temple after fasting together and the king offers a prayer that recalls God’s promises and past actions before drawing attention to the threat they face and asking for God’s help. “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us ... but our eyes are on you.” (20:12)
Once the king finishes, it appears that the people stood there - all the men, with their wives and little ones - waiting. Waiting for the Lord to respond. I wonder how long they waited?
Regardless, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon one of the Levites, who declares that the Lord will rescue them and that they will not need to do a thing. The next day they march out and find that the invading army has destroyed itself; the battle is the Lord’s indeed!
As I read this I had an eye on our situation now. We too face a situation we seemingly have little strength to overcome that requires the Lord’s activity. My questions, for myself and each of us, are twofold, “Are our eyes on the Lord?” and, “How long are we willing to wait for his guidance, comfort, and plans to be revealed?” When we are under pressure, it is difficult to be patient, but we must wait on the Lord’s leading.
We must wait on the Lord’s leading. We must. For the battle is the Lord’s!
Marc Rader
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SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2020
Marc Rader: Senior Pastor
The Church Reimagined:
We celebrate what matters ... (But what really matters?)
Services: 8.30am|10.30am|6.00pm
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SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2020
Marc Rader: Senior Pastor
The Church Reimagined:
Services: 8.30am|10.30am|6.00pm
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Announcements and Upcoming Events
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Click on the video image below for all the latest news in the GBC Friday Update from our Senior Pastor Marc Rader.
This week's topics are:
- ALL GBC volunteers need to complete the Safe Church questionnaire;
- The return of Playtime face-to-face meeting next week; and
- Staff news (you don't want to miss this!)
Join the Chats this Sunday at GBC Online - It's always encouraging, for everyone, to see who is "in the room" with us so please remember to log in and say "hello" in the chats during the online service. Invite a friend or two to join you at your place on Sundays for GBC Online.
To be notified of all new GBC content make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel
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YAY! PLAYTIME IS BACK, BABY!!
Playtime resumes in our new Covid Safe format (Monday-Friday mornings) starting this Monday August 17 (10:00am - 11:30am)
All existing Playtime families have been sent an information email with our COVID Safe plan attached - you can read Playtime's COVID Safe Plan by clicking here.
Please note: Spaces are limited to 18 people (adults & children) each session and registration is essential for each session each week (the link and all booking info is in that email).
If you are an existing Playtime family and you did not receive that email please contact our Playtime Coordinator, Meddwyn via email.
Any questions; or if you're interested in joining Playtime for the first time; or perhaps you feel God is nudging you to assist or lead, please contact Meddwyn by email or phone GBC office on 9521 4611.
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We are encouraging people to create connection, discipleship and care by getting involved in a LifeGroup and to make it a #1 priority to attend each week.
Check out the LifeGroups tab in GBC Links. There you can:
1) See a list of all the LifeGroups (leaders, photos and times they meet);
2) Fill out an Expression of Interest form (if you want to join a LifeGroup);
3) Download the LifeGroup Study Notes and Questions.
If you are NOT in a LifeGroup - what are you waiting for? Log into GBCLinks, take a look at the Group List and click on the Expression of Interest link above to let us know what times during the week you'd be able to attend a LifeGroup. Any questions please contact GBC's LifeGroup Coordinator - Brett Robinson via email.
We need more LifeGroup Leaders! If you feel God is asking "Are You Available" to step into the space of leading a LifeGroup - please email Brett Robinson or Mark Coleman.
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If you feel led by God to be available for him in this ministry we want to hear from you this coming week. The Pastoral Selection Committee is now accepting nominations for Elders to be appointed at the next AGM in November.
We're looking for people who are committed to the Lord, and to GBC (must be a member), AND have a heart for people. To view the Elder Role Description on GBC Links Home Page - click here.
To nominate yourself or someone else; or for further info, please email Marc Rader's PA, Karen Watkins by clicking here.
HURRY - Nominations close soon!
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ATTENTION: All GBC Volunteers
We are asking all our GBC Volunteers to participate in the eligibility process of Safe Churches by completing a short screening questionnaire.
We've received 115 (out of 370) completed questionnaires - THANK YOU for being "Others-Focused" and "Trustworthy" by filling out the questionnaire.
For the remaining 255 volunteers yet to complete the questionnaire, we encourage you to please take 5-10 minutes this weekend to grab a cuppa and fill in the questionnaire you can either click on the link for your age group below OR on the GBC Links home page.
If you're 18 and over - click the link to the over 18 questionnaire;
For those who are not yet 18 - click here for the under-18 questionnaire.
Any questions please contact the GBC Serve Team via email.
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GBC Mission - Baptist World Aid in Lebanon
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Back for a Second Week - If you haven't yet viewed the content in this section (video and prayer requests) please take the opportunity to do so now - click on the links below.
Lebanon Update from Baptist World Aid (one of GBC's Mission partners):
With our ongoing partnership with Baptist World Aid in Lebanon and the recent explosion that devastated Beirut on Tuesday, we can confirm that our partner organisations (LSESD) on the ground are safe, despite property damage and distress. They report that “we will continue to respond to this catastrophe with local Church Partners as they respond by providing food, providing hygiene supplies, providing water and shelter for families that are devastated by this disaster”. You can see more about their response in this 6-minute video - click to watch it here.
Join with us in prayer for the churches, supporting organisations and people of Lebanon. For prayer points - click Pray for Lebanon.
Also, Baptist World Aid have responded to this disaster through an appeal. If you or your extended networks would like to engage in practical action - click here to donate.
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GBC Youth has returned to face-to-face meetings at GBC for Term 3:
- EDGE YOUTH: Yrs 5 & 6. Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
- GBC YOUTH: Yrs 7-12. Fridays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Parents: Check out EDGE & GBC Youth's Term 3 Programs and read through the GBC Youth's COVID Safe Plan (FYI: Also available on GBC Links ("Youth" tab) and on GBC's website).
Contact: For enquiries, email Matt, The Youth Guy (aka GBC Youth Coordinator).
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HOPEFIELD WEBINAR FOR PARENTS:
Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children - Thursday 27 August 2020 at 7:00-8:30pm. Cost: $10/screen. Speaker: Kerry Moss. Register via Try Booking - click here. [Kerry Moss is an author, facilitator of parenting programs and an educator with many years of experience working with children and families. She works in a primary school, supporting the wellbeing of children, parents and staff. Kerry presents this online talk to help parents understand and manage anxiety in their children. She will explore the physical, emotional and relational effects of anxiety on children and parents and most importantly, offer strategies to manage anxious moments].
For all enquiries or to make an appointment with one of our Psychologists please contact Hopefield by phone 9545 0299, by email or via our website.
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HOPEFIELD SESSIONS: Stronger Families
Join Jodene and two of Hopefield's psychologists (Robert and Linda) as they chat about Stronger Families in the latest Hopefield Sessions - Watch it on demand via GBC's YouTube channel - Invite your family and friends to watch it as well - send them the link.
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This week join Marc Rader and co-hosts Jess Baker and Brett Robinson for a fun and thought-provoking conversation as they discuss the three big questions submitted and upvoted by you (our congregation) via Slido during Sunday's sermon at GBC Online. It's a deep dive into last week's sermon; a great opportunity to consider what God is saying to us right now and how we can apply that teaching so our lives are changed by Jesus.
This week in Ep. 27 (The Church Reimagined: We are Family ... (Are You Available?)) the Big Three Questions are:
1) It appears that only a minority of people in our church participate, lead or volunteer; how do we shift this culture?
2) With the pandemic, are we having a long "half-time" or are there opportunities for active ministry?
3) We hear about Jeremiah and Paul speaking to kings and influential people in high places; should we also aspire to do the same?
If you haven't yet joined us for The Big Three, we encourage you to subscribe and download the weekly podcast "GBC Big Three".
Watch all past The Big Three conversations at GBC's Youtube channel.
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You're invited to spend 15-20 minutes during your week with us in prayer online.
WHO? You!
WHERE? Online via instagram @gymeabaptist or GBC's Facebook page
WHEN? Tuesdays 8:00pm AEST
WHAT? For Prayer Reflection led by a member of our Prayer Team.
Let's spend some time together at the feet of Jesus - the best place to be!
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Congregational Care: Elders / GBC Cares
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If you need prayer or practical support please call or email the teams anytime.
For Prayer Support - contact the Elders by phone: 0410 156 396 or 8515 1999 or email
Our Elders meet with Marc Rader on the second Sunday of each month to pray for GBC and discuss pastoral care. They also meet weekly to pray for specific prayer requests submitted via email or during GBC Online.
For Practical Support - contact GBC Cares by phone: 0400 535 637 or email
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ACTIVITY SHEETS - We love for our kids to participate during the service at GBC Online. Each week in the Notes section we provide an activity sheet to download and print. Roxane, our Children's Ministry Coodinator, also emails the Activity Sheets to allow you to print it out ready for the Sunday service. If you'd like to be included in this email list please send Roxane an email. We love to see the amazing craft activities the kids are creating during KidzHome / GBC Online - email Roxane photos of your kids' artworks so we can showcase their talent to the rest of our GBC Community.
MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE - Check out GBC's website for this week's Memory Verse Challenge. Our Kidzone leaders are taking turns to teach a new verse each week in very creative ways. One of our values at GBC is to be Whole-Life Learners; everyone, kids and adults, can benefit from taking up this challenge - so why not give it a go and get God's word into your hearts and minds!
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