Table of Contents
Abiding in Christ
Wednesday 19th February 2025
Jesus’ words in John 15:1-4 remind us that abiding in Him is essential to a life of fruitfulness:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
John 15:4, NIV.
Abiding in Christ is not a passive experience but an active participation in the life of God’s kingdom. As we seek to dwell in Him, we do so through various expressions of faith shaped by how God has uniquely formed us. Here are five ways to abide in Christ:
1. Contemplative Style: Abiding through Prayer and Stillness
For those drawn to a contemplative path, abiding in Christ involves deep prayer, silence, and reflection. This echoes Paul’s emphasis on the renewal of the mind and the transformation of our inner being. By sitting in God’s presence, meditating on His Word, and practising stillness, we develop an awareness of Christ’s life flowing through us. Lectio Divina, centring prayer, and solitude allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts as we remain in the vine.
2. Intellectual Style: Abiding through Thought and Study
Some connect with Christ best through deep study and theological reflection. Paul emphasizes that the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) is critical in our transformation. Abiding intellectually means immersing ourselves in Scripture, wrestling with theological truths, and seeking wisdom as we integrate the Gospel of His Kingdom into our worldview. Reading the words of Christ and discussing them critically enables believers to remain in Christ with a renewed and informed mind.
3. Serving Style: Abiding through Action and Justice
The Kingdom of God is an active reality that Christians are called to embody—those who abide in Christ through service experience His presence in acts of love and justice. Jesus’ call to remain in Him is not just for personal spirituality but for outward mission. Volunteering, advocating for the oppressed, and caring for the needy become expressions of being rooted in the vine, producing fruit that reflects the character of Christ. Our vocation becomes a mission!
4. Relational Style: Abiding through Community and Fellowship
Jesus never intended for His followers to abide in isolation. Scripture underscores the church as the body of Christ, where believers experience His life through one another. Abiding relationally means investing in deep, Christ-centred friendships, participating in small groups, and encouraging others in the faith. Sharing meals, mentoring, and practising hospitality create spaces where God’s love is experienced and extended.
5. Charismatic Style: Abiding through the Holy Spirit’s Power
Finally, abiding in Christ is a dynamic encounter with the Holy Spirit. The Bible reminds us that the resurrection power of Jesus is at work in believers. Those with a charismatic inclination remain in Christ through worship, prophetic ministry, and spiritual gifts. Engaging in corporate worship, praying for healing, and listening to the Spirit’s guidance keep us attuned to the presence and power of God. Charisma is, therefore, not a personality trait but an invitation to encounter God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit when we gather, whether in a chapel or a home, by being His presence in every place!
Conclusion
Abiding in Christ is not confined to a single method but is a rich, multifaceted experience. Whether through contemplation, study, service, relationships, or spiritual gifts, each expression connects us more deeply to the vine. As we remain in Him, His life flows through us, bearing fruit that glorifies the Father and reveals His kingdom to the world.
Raising Awareness of Neurodiversity | Special Event | Thursday 20th February 2025 | 7:00pm
We have the great honour to host this special event to raise awareness of neurodiversity needs in our church and broader community. Sandhya Menon is a Multiple Neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist. Her organisation, Onwards and Upwards Psychology in Melbourne, focuses on upskilling and empowering clinicians, parents, and teachers to understand and support autistic and ADHDer individuals, with the ultimate goal of better well-being for these communities.
Sandhya has previously authored two best-selling children’s books using a neurodiversity affirming approach, The Brain Forest and The Rainbow Brain, and speaks at national and international conferences on autism, ADHD and cultural perspectives.
During this event Sandhya will present strategies to help broaden inclusion, specifically for group settings. NB: Only questions related to group settings will be addressed in the Q&A (not individual needs).
This is a great PD opportunity for teachers and practitioners – the full price for this event is $60. Book early to secure a seat.
This event is a free event for all BCOC volunteers, Board and staff. An email with a discount booking code has been sent out. Check you have recieved it and book now so you don’t miss out.
Young Families Camping Weekend/Young Families Day Out | 21st-23rd February 2025
Our Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton Holiday Park is this weekend.
The camping sites and cabins are fully booked but you are most welcome to come on Saturday 22nd February and join in the fun.
The day could include:
- A trip to Redwood Forest for great photos
- Enjoy a sausage at our communal BBQ lunch
- Kids playing in the free water park
- BBQ marshmallows around our campfires in the evening
If you would like to visit on Saturday please get in touch so we can give you the information you need and so we know you are coming! Sue 0403 822 324.
Fuse Youth | Friday 21st February 2025 | 7:00pm
This week at FUSE we are continuing our new series Prepare! We have our very own Sam sharing, worship and ofcourse good chats in small groups! 7-9.30pm, $5. See you there!
Kids Church | Sunday 21st February 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The Twelve Disciples | Matthew 4:18-22, 9:9-10, 10:2-4; John 1:43-49)
5 to 12-year-olds | Timothy |1 Timothy 4:12
Sunday Service | Sunday 23rd February 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Join us and discover prayer as a transformative conversation with God, a relational act, and not just a ritual. We will unpack how prayer deepens our intimacy with God and is the central way to know God and grow in grace. It is an invitation to experience heaven on earth.
Boys Brigade | Monday 22nd February 2025
Be part of the action
For over 20 years the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 23rd February 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Is God stirring your heart to Water Baptised?
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. Baptisms are a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration to the entire congregation. If you are considering being baptised, please book now for the Baptism class on Monday 10th, February, where the significance of Water Baptism will be unpacked.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 26th February 2025 | 1:30pm
None of us can forget the amazing ministry of Billy Graham. We will share video clips and history of his remarkable life.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 2nd March 2025 | 1:00pm
As a movement, we need to get to know each other better and take the next steps in our faith journey. To this end, we want to invite you to the … Next Steps Lunch.
The Next Steps Lunch is an opportunity to connect, learn more about our church movement, and discover your potential while enjoying a delicious meal. The lunch is especially relevant to Newcomers, but we encourage you to register if you’ve been an attendee, volunteer, or partner and have never been to a Next Step Lunch before. And did I mention that it’s free?
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 16th March 2025 | 1:00pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
GTM 1 Course Commencing | Tuesday 29th April 2025 | 7:00pm
Growing To Maturity course (GTM1)
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha”. It is the perfect next step for those who:
- Are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
- Want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
- Desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant workbooks
- DVD’s
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Alpha Course Commencing | Coming soon in April
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha. All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
- “Who is Jesus?”
- “How can we have faith?”
- “Why and how do I pray?”
- “How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything, and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and respectful environment.
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
