Table of Contents
A Functioning Body That Grows and Glorifies
Wednesday 6th August 2025
The Body of Christ is not a passive crowd—it is a living, breathing, Spirit-empowered community of believers who each carry a divine calling. In 2 Peter 1:3–11, we are reminded that we already have everything we need to live a godly life. God’s divine power has equipped us—not merely for personal holiness, but for fruitful participation in the mission of Christ.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)
This truth silences the excuse that “I’m not ready” or “I’m not enough.” The Church—the Body—is not made up of spectators, but of saints called to grow and serve. Each part matters. Each person has a part to play. And Peter tells us how to step into that reality.
He exhorts believers to “make every effort” to add to their faith a sequence of character virtues—goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This is not a moral checklist for elite Christians; it is the formation pattern of every believer who wants to represent Jesus well. These virtues are not private disciplines but public declarations that the Gospel has taken root.
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.8)
This is where our individual calling becomes a corporate testimony. As we grow, the whole Church becomes healthier, stronger, and more compelling in its witness. A church full of self-controlled, persevering, godly people will always impact its city. A congregation marked by kindness and love makes room for others to experience Jesus.
Peter also reminds us that growing in these qualities leads to assurance: we don’t serve to be saved—but as we serve, we gain confidence in our salvation. When the members of Christ’s body are active, aligned, and obedient, the whole body moves with grace, purpose, and power.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble…” (v.10)
Let us not be a stagnant Church. Let us be a body of believers who respond affirmatively to our calling—who trust that God has already equipped us and who grow into maturity through obedience. Your life matters. Your growth matters. Your participation matters.
Because the Church is not fully alive until every part is functioning.
Let’s make every effort.
Let’s grow.
Let’s serve.
Let’s represent the Gospel well—as a fully alive body of Christ.
Sunday Service | TEAM JESUS – Disciplined & Devoted | Sunday 10th August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
TEAM JESUS – Disciplined and devoted. Discover your part. Live your purpose.
Winning by Living the Kingdom Life – ALL DAY… EVERYDAY… IN EVERY WAY.
You weren’t created to sit on the sidelines – you were built for impact. God has already placed within you everything you need to live a godly life and serve our city with purpose. Now it’s time to activate it.
In this transformational Team Jesus series, we’ll explore how living with Kingdom character – faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, affection and love unlocks a life of deep meaning and lasting influence. Together, we’ll learn how to grow and serve with joy, walking confidently in the calling God has placed on our lives.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running the race for a while, this journey is for you. Let’s be a team that reflects Jesus, not just on Sundays but ALL DAY… EVERYDAY… IN EVERY WAY.
Join us and discover your part. Live your purpose!
Kids Church | Sunday 10th August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Day 3: God made the land, plants, and sea | Genesis 1: 9-13
5 to 12-year-olds | Noah | Genesis 6 – 9
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 10th August | 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 11th August 2025 | 6:00pm
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
Water Baptism Class | Monday 11th August 2025 | 7:00pm
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 12th August | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer. We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park for a time of great fellowship and connection.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Writers Group | Saturday 23rd August 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—are you looking for a creative outlet to showcase your writing talents and connect with fellow literary enthusiasts? We are thrilled to invite you to join our Writers Group, where your words will come to life in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, or anything in between, we welcome all writing styles and genres. So come join us and, ignite your passion for writing! Together, we will inspire one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
The Compliance Compass
A monthly update on policies and safety to help guide staff, partners and volunteers and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Your Privacy
The Church is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring we uphold your trust. Our Privacy Policy was created in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. It outlines how the Church will collect, use and protect any personal information obtained.
The information collected about you will vary depending on the nature of involvement and the activities that you choose to be involved in. We will endeavour to only ask you for information that is reasonably necessary for the activities you are seeking to be involved in and inform you of the purposes of collecting that information at the point that it is collected. We will also notify you of any third parties to whom the information may be disclosed.
From time to time, we may take photos or videos of our services or other activities and the Church will take reasonable steps to ensure individuals are notified when photographs or videos are being taken at our services or other activities. Where the service or other activities include children under the age of 18, written consent from a parent or guardian will be requested prior to use.
If you would like to know more, please click here to read our Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or if you would like to make a complaint about a possible breach of local privacy laws, please contact the Safety Contact Person policies@bcoc.com.au or speak to a Pastor or Elder.
Scriptural references for our Safety Policies
Creating a policy to ensure equal and fair treatment of all cultures in a multicultural congregation is a continuous endeavour. All laws/policies created will be an interpretation of Jesus’ final command to His disciples:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 NIV
Scriptural references will provide our foundation and context for our policies, emphasizing principles of love, respect, and inclusivity. Click here to read some scriptural references that we use in the creation of our policies.
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
