Table of Contents
The Transformative Power; A Non-Greedy Community
Wednesday 12th March 2025
The call to generosity is a radical and transformative act in a world often driven by self-interest and accumulation of wealth. The biblical narrative consistently contrasts the destructive power of greed with the life-giving impact of generosity. When we choose generosity over greed, we participate in God’s redemptive work, ushering in His kingdom here on earth. Christian generosity is not merely about charity—it is about being his presence in every place, living as renewed people in Christ, and witnessing to the ultimate reality of God’s love.
Greed: The root of a broken world
Greed distorts our humanity, leading to systemic injustice, relational brokenness, and spiritual decay. Paul warns against this in 1 Timothy 6:10, stating,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Greed leads to exploitation, oppression, and the hoarding of resources meant to be shared. It fosters a scarcity mindset, where people live as if there is never enough, driving competition instead of cooperation.
Greed is a failure to live in God’s future reality. He notes that when people cling tightly to wealth and possessions, they operate as though the resurrection and renewal of all things are not true. Instead of reflecting God’s abundant grace, they reflect a world of fear and self-preservation.
Generosity: A foretaste of God’s kingdom
Generosity, on the other hand, aligns us with God’s purposes and brings healing to our communities. Jesus embodied radical generosity, from multiplying loaves and fish to offering Himself on the cross. Paul calls the church to mirror this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
For us, generosity is eschatological—a sign that God’s kingdom is breaking into the present. When Christians give freely, they demonstrate that they trust in God’s provision, not in their own resources. This kind of generosity is not just about financial giving but extends to our time, talents, hospitality, and forgiveness.
How generosity transforms the world
- It breaks the cycle of injustice
When wealth and resources are shared, the gap between the rich and the poor narrows, and economic oppression is challenged. The early church exemplified this in Acts 4:32-35, where believers shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. - It builds true community
Generosity fosters deep relationships. Instead of transactional interactions, people invest in one another’s well-being, creating communities where love and mutual care thrive. - It points to a new reality
Every act of generosity is a signpost of God’s coming kingdom, where there is abundance and justice. As Scripture teaches, the church is called to be a foretaste of the restored world, living out the reality of God’s provision today.
By choosing generosity over greed, we participate in God’s restoration mission, revealing His love in tangible ways. May we, as Christ’s body, embrace a generous spirit that reflects God’s very heart.
Care Visits Team
Our Life Groups at Berwick Church of Christ are the main avenues of love and care for our church community.
But not everyone is in a Life Group yet – and sometimes people have needs beyond their Life Group’s capacity.
This is where our Care Visits Team step in to assist.
We would love to expand this wonderful team, so if you feel that you have the skills, gifts, and capacity to visit people and offer care, please use the Care Visit Team form or contact Sue Nicholls (suen@bcoc.com.au) to find out more.
Food Pantry | Crisis Support
The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award. Let’s reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry trolley located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
Let’s Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Payment via cash or card can be made during the above times or you can donate online.
Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Kids Church | Sunday 16th March 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Catching fish | Matt 4:18, Luke 5: 1-7
5 to 12-year-olds | Please help me (Nehemiah rebuilds the broken walls) | Nehemiah 1–4; 6:15
Sunday Service | Sunday 16th March 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Join us for Heart Health, a powerful series exploring the key emotional and spiritual issues that shape our relationships with God and others. Together, we’ll uncover how to:
- Break free from the weight of guilt
- Loosen the grip of greed
- Find freedom from anger
- Overcome the shadow of shame
Experience freedom and peace from living in the truth of God’s grace, sufficient to transform even the deepest struggles of the heart. Don’t miss this life-transforming series!
Y&Y Service | Pastor Alex Groza | Sunday 16th March | 5:30 pm
Come join us for the first Y & Y Service of 2025 as our very own Young Adults Pastor Alex Groza shares what’s on his heart and the FORGE Worship team lead us in worship. Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 16th March | 5:45 pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Boys Brigade | Monday 17th March 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
Machine Gun Preacher - Sam Childers | Sunday 23rd March 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
The REAL Machine Gun Preacher is coming to Berwick Church of Christ! Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Sam Childers, the man behind the Hollywood movie, “The Machine Gun Preacher”!
From a life of violence and chaos to becoming a fearless rescuer of orphans and building major projects in South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia, Sam’s story is one of radical transformation, faith, and action. He has built one of the largest orphanages in Southern Sudan, serving 10,000 meals daily and providing a home for 380 orphan children.
Hear firsthand how faith, courage, and relentless determination can change the world. Don’t miss this powerful message! Invite your friends and family—this is a Sunday you won’t forget!
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 26th March 2025 | 1:30pm
Vern & Elva Board will share their story and Graham Cann will speak about his book “Walking in the light” which will be on sale for $10:00.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Alpha Course Commencing | Wednesday 16th April 2025 | 7:00pm
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.
Baptism Class | Tuesday 22nd April 2025 | 7:00pm
Baptism is complete water immersion of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings. Book now if you want to find out more.
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
From the Governance Committee
The following policies were reviewed and approved by the Elders on the 26th February 2025:
- Privacy Policy – updated this policy in relation to digital marketing materials that may be sent via email or SMS and that the Church will ensure that an option to opt-out is provided as part of the requirement of the Spam Act.
- Police Check Policy – this policy only applies to Staff and Key Ministry Leaders.
- Social Media Policy – this Policy governs the use of social media, in all its current and future forms and some minor updates were made in relation to approval of posting content on behalf of the Church.
- Working at Heights Policy – this policy applies to anyone wanting to work above ground, including the use of a ladder. The main change to this policy was it added a section about “Responsibilities”.
- Risk Management Policy – the purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Church is as safe as possible, and that the Church is meeting its legal responsibility to eliminate or minimise risks. This policy was re-written to reflect the requirements of the OHS Act and Regulations.
- Humanitarian Fund Policy – this policy applies to those who are in acute hardship requiring immediate assistance. The policy was updated to ensure these funds are only used in Australia and any funds that may be sent overseas meet the ACNC External Conduct Standards.
- Overseas Activities Policy – As Berwick Church of Christ is a registered charity, we are required to comply with the ACNC External Conduct Standards, this policy sets out how we will meet these requirements. Only minor formatting changes made to this policy.
- Caregiving Policy – this policy has been written to set direction under which we provide consistent caregiving that reflects the calling of Christ to love one another, and minister healing and freedom while complying with relevant legislation. No major changes to this policy.
- No Pets Policy – a clause was added to this policy in relation to pets being left in vehicles, particularly on hot days and what procedures are to be taken.
We encourage all our volunteers to read these policies and be aware of our requirements. Please talk to your Pastor/Ministry Leader if you need any further clarification on these policies.
If you have any questions or feedback about any of our policies, simply email policies@bcoc.com.au or contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office (9702 1011).
You will find all volunteer-based policies located on the church website.
How to sign up as a Volunteer
If you want to become a volunteer, please check out the volunteering page on the website. Several ministries are listed, but if you do not see what you are interested in, click on the “Volunteer Application Form – Other Ministries” link at the bottom of the page for all our other ministry opportunities.
What is involved?
You will need to complete a Volunteer Application Form, have an interview with one of the Pastors, hold a current Working with Children Check, sign our Policy Induction, and undergo online safety training (which helps us meet all our insurance and legal obligations).
This may seem like a lot, but it is a once-only process, with a safety training refresher every three years. It allows you to serve in any ministry area, with only one additional requirement: If you serve in the Café or Kitchen, you will need to hold a Food Handler’s Certificate.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please talk to one of our Pastors or feel free to contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office 9702 1011.
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
