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GBC News | 20 December 2024Message from the Associate PastorGood News of Great Joy! (Luke 2:10) You might have a lot of Christmas junk mail in your letterbox or emails in your inbox wishing you a Merry Christmas, but really their purpose is announcing pre or post Christmas sales or office closing dates. They are pieces of communication meant to inspire action or knowledge. In the New Testament the word "euangelion" or 'Good News' is used 76 times (it's where we get our word Evangelism). For the wider historical context of the Roman Empire, 'euangelion' meant 'Good Announcement' or 'Good News' - and was used to declare the birth of an heir to power, or appointment of a new ruler or to celebrate a military victory. More than an email or junk mail flyer, it was meant to inspire a populace to action, knowledge and reverence, to know that a life-changing event like a new ruler appointed had happened. When the angel declares 'euangelion' to the shepherds, it's an announcement of the birth of the promised King, born in David's city Bethlehem, the fulfilment of the promises of God. This king will rule in a completely different way, from being placed in a manger at birth to being placed on a cross at his death. He will have the "throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:32-33) This Good News brings Great Joy because it announces Jesus the saviour king - and our response should be one of action and reverence indeed, bringing great joy for all that God has done. This weekend is our first Christmas Festival and we are looking forward to sharing this Good News of Jesus with our wider community. I hope you can come along and participate in one of the nights. As so much resourcing is going to this new initiative, our Sunday services will not be running this week. We'll gather again midweek at both Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, and then again on Sunday 29th December. I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all the staff and key volunteers who have put so much effort into preparation for our Festival - I know you'll join me in both praying for them and the Festival as a whole and thanking and encouraging one another as you serve our God and community together. Blessings for the Christmas season as you remember and celebrate the true Good News of Jesus. Roxane Lawler | Associate Pastor Upcoming Christmas Services:(Please Note: No Church Services on Sunday 22 Dec)Christmas Eve - Carols7:00pm - "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" Christmas Day8:00am - "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" (Not Livestreamed) 9.30am - Same Message as 8am. (Livestreamed) Coming up ...SUN 28 DEC: 9.30am* and 6:00pm (*9.30am Livestreamed) - A Service of Reflection and Gratitude
A Festival of Christmas: IT'S HERE!This Weekend: FRI 20, SAT 21 & SUN 22 DEC 5:00PM-8:00PMInvite your family and friends to "A Festival of Christmas" at GBC from Friday 20 - Sunday 22 December (5-8pm). In addition to lighting the tree and six window box displays representing different Carols, we'll be opening our church building for a three-night Christmas Festival. Each night: take part in the interactive nativity walk, make a christmas craft. For more info CLICK HERE.
GBC Office Christmas Closure: 24/12 - 6/1GBC Staff/Pastoral Care Contact: 0402 526 156The GBC Office will close December 24 and will re-open on January 6.
January Preaching SeriesJesus & The Sydney Morning Herald:
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GBC Lounge Lending Library ("LLL")
For Your Summer Holiday Reading
Everyone is welcome to borrow a book or two from our collection of Christian books on the shelves next to the TV in the GBC lounge. Help yourself to some great novels and also daily Bible reading books and lots more.
Most popular right now is anything written by Tessa Afshar - historical fiction around Biblical characters. Tessa brings the Bible to life with people like Rahab, Ruth, Persian princes, Lydia and early Church characters.
To Borrow Book(s) from LLL: Record details of book, date and your name on the LLL form.
For more information contact Sonia Beresford via GBC office.
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Encouraging Elder Editorial from Derek Mullins
Sharing in This Extraordinary Life Together
Luke 2:7 says, "And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
As we approach Christmas it is worth reflecting on the humble beginnings of our Saviour. In a small town, a young woman named Mary gave birth to the long-awaited Messiah. In extraordinary circumstances, Jesus came to earth to bring hope, peace, and salvation to the world.
In our busy preparations for Christmas, we should never forget the true meaning of this season. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let us remember the love and sacrifice of God, who sent His only Son to dwell among us.
Let us carry the spirit of Christmas with us throughout the year, living as faithful followers of Christ and sharing His love with others.
Congregational Prayer Requests
* Please continue to pray for the Hurleys currently in transit from Mongolia to their new home in Peru; and for Micah's health - a quick and complete recovery from pneumonia - he is coughing, with fevers, struggling to breathe at night. The Hurleys are spending two weeks in Japan, two months in India. There they aim to complete the Visa paperwork for Peru in under a week (Visa paperwork/process is difficult in India). Expect to arrive in Peru early March 2025.
* Pray for those in our GBC family who are struggling with loneliness and missing their loved ones at Christmas time.
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GBC News - That's a wrap for 2024Praying for a wonderful holiday with friends and family and safe travels; see you in the new year! The GBC Office will close December 24 and will re-open on January 6. For Pastoral Care support when office is closed please contact GBC Staff on: 0402 526 156.
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