30th September 2026
Updated: Oct 3
A Morning Prayer
from Travis
There are countless experts, books, blogs, podcasts all giving advice on the same topic: the importance of starting your day right! Whether they come from a health, leadership, productivity or mental-emotional wellbeing perspective, the point is the same: how we begin each day matters.
For the believer, one of the most transformative morning practices to set up our days well is to pray. As we pray at the beginning of each day, we then enter the day connected with our Creator, with our hearts oriented towards Him, filled with thanksgiving and fresh commitment to navigate the day in ways that bring Him glory.
Below is an example of an exquisitely crafted morning prayer. Why not stop and pray this prayer right now, wherever you are?! Or copy it ready to pray in your mornings this week.
Loving Lord and heavenly Father, I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer,
to be Yours today and Yours forever.
Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will. Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires. Teach me, in all of today’s work and trouble and joy,
to respond with honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience,
that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice.
By the power of Your Holy Spirit and
in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ,
my Master and my all. Amen.
- Elisabeth Elliot
Combined Young Adult Worship Night
from Maddie Moore
Last week was a central coast young adults prayer and worship night where we sang, prayed with each other, reflected through prayer stations, and connected with new people.
Something that stood out to me was at one point during worship, we were invited to come kneel at the front, and a flood of people instantly came forward. I’ve been so encouraged seeing so many people seeking God and willing to be vulnerable, and it made me realise how hungry we are for Him. It was so amazing to see the community come together, pray together and see God move.
Youth Sponsor Child Fundraiser
from Zach
On Friday night The Valley Youth held it's inaugural Leader Humiliation Night to raise money for Absalat, their Compassion sponsor child.
Over the course of term 3, the youth themselves (maybe with some help from their parents) raised over $1400. This will pay for the sponsorship until June 2028!
What an incredible show of care and generosity, embodying our church value of Grateful & Generous. We hope and pray that not only does this fundraiser impact the life of a special young girl in Ethiopia, but at the same time impact the way our young people view the world, helping them to see the bigger picture and embrace the joy of being generous.
As an incentive for youth to donate, our daring leaders allowed themselves to be humiliated in a variety of crazy challenges. Enjoy some snaps from these moments.
Readying for Thailand Trip
from Danielle Lamrock
Our team of 6 members from NVBC that will be travelling to Thailand in late December, went to Sydney on the weekend to visit the Thai Church in Sydney CBD. Pastor Nun graciously met our team on the Saturday afternoon and took us for a walk around Thai town in Haymarket where we sampled some typical Thai treats and then were then treated to a Q&A time where she imparted some cultural knowledge about Thailand.
We visited the Thai church where Nun pastors in Central Baptist Church on the Sunday morning, and then stayed to share a meal with the congregation members. It was a wonderful weekend to get a taste of Thai culture and for our team to bond.
Kariong Conversation Update
from Travis
Last Sunday morning it was great to be able to stop and pray together in our service for Kariong Church and the decisions that lie ahead of them. Both Daniel Copland (one of our elders) and I were able to go up for a time of Q&A with their church on Sunday. There certainly were plenty of questions and some big emotions in the room. We anticipate that we will have a decision from them in the coming weeks: whether they want to pursue growth together with NVBC into the future, or whether they will pursue growth independently.
The Gathering Camp - Day-tickets now available
If you're wanting to visit camp for a day (or even to come and go for 2 days or all 3), there are two new ticket options available for those who don't need accommodation: a Saturday day-ticket, or a whole weekend day-ticket. These tickets cover the cost of facilities, food and activities - everything except somewhere to sleep at night!
Of course, you can still rego to attend the whole weekend, either camping on in rooms.
Go to nvbc.info/thegathering to register now!
If you have any questions about camp, please send us an email: johnnysharpe@nvbc.info or church@nvbc.info. We're really looking forward to spending a great weekend together as a church family, connecting with one another and having fun together!
Join us in Prayer this Week
We invite you to take a moment to pray with us this week:
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This Sunday
Sunday Services (9:30am & 5:00pm)
This Sunday, Travis will continue our Acts series, with the story of where and when Jesus-followers were first called Christians! In the AM Service our kids will have an episode of the animated Chosen kids series together in the hall.
October @NVBC
Cru Coast (6-9 Oct)
A four-day day-camp for kids in primary school, hosted at NVBC next week. Rego ASAP and invite your friends! And let's cover these 4 days in prayer!!
Flourish Women's Dessert Night (7pm, Sat 10 Oct)
An evening for the women of NVBC to connect for dessert at San Churro in Erina. RSVP here
Uncle Russ & Aunty Lorraine visit (9:30am, Sun 18 Oct)
Russ and Lorraine from Purfleet Community Church will be with us to share an update on the church, work and upcoming January Boolarng mission trip.
Presence Night (5pm, Sun 18 Oct)
We love these nights! A space devoted to an unhurried time together with God.
Church Prayer Meeting (7pm, Wed 21 Oct)
A beautiful and powerful time of prayer.
The Gathering Church Camp (30 Oct - 1 Nov)
Our special weekend away together as a church family, at Crosslands in Glaston.
Come for the whole weekend, or even just a day.
Note: the monthly men's breakfast won't be on in October, due to the long weekend. But we will have a special brunch event in November!
For all other upcoming events, visit:
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