Table of Contents
Active Faith, Whole-Life Flourishing
Wednesday 13th August 2025
In a world constantly searching for meaning, connection, and resilience, one truth continues to rise to the surface: those who are actively engaged in church community experience significantly higher levels of overall wellbeing.
According to a comprehensive 2020 Gallup study, people who attend religious services weekly report the highest levels of mental and emotional wellbeing among all demographic groups in the United States, even during the height of the pandemic. Additionally, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regular church involvement is associated with lower rates of depression, greater life satisfaction, stronger social bonds, and healthier lifestyle choices.
But why is this the case?
Because the Church is not just a building—it’s a body. It’s a living, breathing organism made up of people who are called, equipped, and empowered to grow together. And when you step into that body not just as an attendee, but as an active participant, you begin to tap into the life-giving rhythm of God’s design.
In 2 Peter 1:3–11, the apostle Peter makes a stunning claim:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him…” (v.3)
In other words, you are not missing anything. You already have what you need to flourish—spiritually, emotionally, relationally. But that flourishing comes not by sitting still, but by making every effort to grow: to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
This spiritual growth isn’t only about character—it’s about connection. When we grow together, serve together, and worship together, we become a functioning body where each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole, and the whole nurtures the parts.
Peter writes:
“If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…” (v.8)
And again:
“You will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom…” (v.10–11)
This is not just about eternal reward. It’s about whole-life purpose. It’s about joy that runs deeper than circumstance. It’s about showing up—and watching your spiritual, emotional, and relational life come alive.
If you’ve been wondering whether serving, joining a group, or engaging more deeply is worth it, the answer is clear: Yes. For your soul. For your well-being. For the Body.
So step in. Grow. Serve.
Because in the Body of Christ, everyone benefits when you say yes.
Care Meals Team
A home-cooked meal can be such a blessing and expression of love and care in times of need. We would love to expand our team of people who are willing to prepare meals, either to deliver or bring them to the church freezer for distribution as needed. Does this sound like a way that you could be His presence in the lives of others?
Please use this form to express your interest in being part of our Care Meals Team (or email sue@bcoc.com.au if you have questions). Sue Nicholls.
Food Pantry | Our City Needs Your Help
As the cost of living increases, so too does the number of families in our community struggling to make ends meet. Can you help support our Food Pantry by purchasing something from our list below in your next shop? You can drop off food items in the Food Pantry trolley located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
- 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
Let’s Love People, Serve Our City and be His presence in the City of Casey by supporting the Food Pantry!
Sunday Service | TEAM JESUS – Presence & Participation | Sunday 17th August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
TEAM JESUS – Presence & Participation. 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 created 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 (i.e. faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness 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 your Christian walk has just begun 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 17th August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
God made the sun, moon, and stars.
2 to 4-year-olds | Day 4: God made the sun, moon, and stars | Genesis 1: 14 -1 9
5 to 12-year-olds | God chooses Abram | Genesis 12:1-9, 15:1-6
Y&Y Service | Sunday 17th August 2025 | 5:30pm
Come join us for the Y & Y Service as Pastor Genny Smith shares on Psalm 126 (God’s faithfulness in all seasons). The FORGE Worship team will lead us in powerful worship.
Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 17th 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 18th 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
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 19th 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!
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 27th August 2025 | 1:30pm
Pastor Monya will share her story of life in South Africa, and how God led her to Australia. We will also be blessed by her vocal numbers.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
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
