17th Dec 2025

Prayer for Bondi

from Johnny

"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John 1:5

On Sunday night, Jewish communities around Australia and across the world gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Yet in Bondi, the celebration was turned to tragedy as two gunmen opened fire of civilians in an act of terror and hatred.

I know we are all reeling as we seek to come to terms with what has happened. Many of us have seen footage of the event, news stories about both victims and perpetrators, people pointing fingers of blame at police or politicians, and so on.

On Monday, Australian Baptist Ministries published the following statement, which I found encouraging and helpful amid all the noise and confusion:

“We are deeply grieved by the tragic events that unfolded at Bondi Beach during the Jewish festival celebration. We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters at this time of profound sorrow.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and we pray for healing and comfort for all who are injured and traumatised.

We reject antisemitism in all its forms and commit ourselves to fostering relationships of respect, compassion and understanding across faith communities.

We call upon our churches and members to join us in prayer for the Jewish community, for the city of Sydney, and for our nation as we seek unity in the face of hatred.

May God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard the hearts of those who mourn and strengthen us all to stand together against violence and prejudice."

With this in mind, I have written a prayer for us, and I want to encourage us as a church to pray like this this week:

God of all Comfort, please bring comfort to our nation. Be with the Jewish community, the Bondi community, and the wider community of Australians who grieve and mourn the terrible loss of life this week. Be with the loved ones and friends of those who lost their lives, and those who were injured. Bring healing and hope to all who need it today.

Prince of Peace, bring peace to our nation. Be with all the leaders in politics and law enforcement, giving them a heart for peace and unity as they seek to do justice rightly. We trust that you have appointed them, and ask that you would guide their decisions in this time of fear and anger. Protect them from reacting out of fear or anger or selfish ambition - give them your wisdom we pray.

Spirit of Grace, pour out upon all people, that we might be able respond with love and grace, even loving our enemies, in a world that responds to violence with more and more violence. May we have the courage of Ahmed Al Ahmed, to stand up to evil without joining in, even at great risk and cost. May we "walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2)

As you taught us, so we pray:

"May your Kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

If you have been struggling to know how to talk to your children at this time, a practical resource has been created by the NSW/ACT Baptist Association team for talking about tragedy with children and young people. It is available HERE.

Focus Meeting Results

Thank you to our board, and for everyone who attended the Focus Meeting on Sunday. The only matter for voting was the 2026 budget proposal - which passed unanimously. Well done Kylie Seal on your first budget as our new treasurer!

Please be considering prayerfully how much you would like to give in 2026 to help fund the things we have budgeted for, as the budget continues to be very tight. Wouldn't it be exciting to be able to fund more ministries and be an even more generous church in 2026!!

Check out nvbc.info/give for more info on how to give.

December Appeal

Speaking of giving... For our December appeal, we are raising money for Insight High School Ministries and Purfleet Community Church Roof. Click here for more info on how to give.

This Weekend

Carols in the Stadium (Sat Dec 20) - Purchase your tickets here. Volunteers should have received an email today with information you need. Please let us know if you didn't get it!

Kingdom Kids Christmas Service (Sun Dec 21, AM) - our Kingdom Kids will lead us through the Christmas story with songs, skits and videos.

Blue Christmas Service (Sun Dec 21, PM) - our annual safe and sacred space, where we can bring our hurts, disappointments and griefs before a loving God at Christmas time.

2025 Christmas Services

Join us, along with your family and friends for our Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Readings (Wed Dec 24, 8pm) and/or our Christmas Day Service (Thurs Dec 24, 9:30am).

Beyond Christmas

Check out the schedule for services in the fortnight after Christmas. Let us know if you need the Hercus's address here.

Global Leadership Summit

On Saturday January 17th we are going to host a GLS Local right here at NVBC! The Global Leadership Summit is a world class leadership summit experience, bringing some of the best leadership insights and practical tools to equip leaders across the world. Whether you are seeking to lead yourself better, or lead your family, team, ministry or organisation better, then GLS is for you!

As a local host of the GLS, we will engage with the keynote speakers while also creating space for discussion and personal reflection. Learn more about the GLS and sign up here.

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