Friday 9th December 2022

As a Church we have a dream. Our dream is to transform lives and communities by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Last weekend, at 3 instances, we caught a glimpse of this dream being lived out.  

Firstly, on Saturday, we had the Bringing Christmas to Life event where we poured love over our Food Pantry clients through fun activities (such as jumping castles, face painting, and crafts), a sausage sizzle lunch, a Christmas hamper for every family, and presents for all children 18 and below. A special guest from the North Pole even made an appearance and he looked a lot like Mark Gould!

As a result of that event, we have received queries from clients interested in attending Kids Church and Boy's Brigade. Also, below are some of the feedback we received from those who attended:

• It's been amazing! Given me pleasure to be in a calm environment with lovely people, has been a pleasant time watching my child have fun.
• Awesome, beautiful, kind people. So good for my kids.
• We had so much fun today, thank you!
• It has been very nice, because I have met some nice people and have had lots of fun and the workers are so nice.
• It has meant a lot, was great to be able to get out and do something.
• It has meant so much, my son had the best time.
• You are all amazing! Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts, you are all amazing!!

Secondly, come Sunday, we had the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of Mevan, Iza, Nikki, Koos, and Cecille. They all experienced the transforming power of the Gospel and were baptised by full immersion just like Jesus did. Perhaps, you want to follow Jesus through the waters of baptism. If you are, then fill out this form (click here) and someone will be in touch. God willing, our next scheduled baptism will be on Sunday, 26 February so register as soon as you can.

And lastly, how was that Future Church Now/Youth takeover? Our youth worshipped in the best way they can, Pastor Genny preached up a storm, and Matt Botha relayed his heartfelt testimony.  God is in the process of transforming our youth and in that process our youth is transforming the lives of the people around them. As a result of last Sunday's worship encounter, a number of visiting families approached me and asked how their families can make our church home their home.

I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of living out the dream…that is God's calling upon our church. As 2022 comes to a close, I would challenge and encourage you to ask God how you can live out the dream in 2023. Does he want you to transform the lives of the people in our community by serving our city (e.g. Food Pantry)? Does he want you to help people take steps in following Jesus (e.g. Growing to Maturity)?  Does he want you to transform the lives of our Future Church now (e.g. Kids Church, Fuse Youth, Forge Young Adults)? 

Let us live out the dream together!

Prayer for Pastor Braam and Family

Most of you would have heard by now that Pastor Braam had a cycling accident last Saturday where he fractured his cheekbone, rib, L4 vertebrae, and elbow. He also has bruises on his body from the incident. He is now recovering from home and is taking medication to manage the pain. Please keep him and the Botha family in your prayers. Braam's speedy recovery, the family's peace of mind, and all the administrative tasks relating to his accident will benefit greatly as we pray together as a faith family. Pastor Braam and family send their thanks for all your care and support.

Lost Property | Are You Missing Anything?

We have collected a large number of items (glasses, bibles, jewellery, clothes, etc.) which was left behind at one of the services or events during the year.

Check out the items in the pictures below!  If there is something of yours in the pictures, make sure you pick it up this Sunday or let the Church Office know.  

All items not collected will be take to the Op Shop next week!

FUSE Youth | Friday 9th December

It is the final night of FUSE Youth & that means… IT’S TIME FOR THE ALL-NIGHTER! We will have jumping castles, tonnes of food, fairy floss & popcorn, movie rooms, art stations, gaming, just dance and so much more!

Important details:

• @BCOC
• @7pm-8am (with a 12am pick-up option for those who can’t stay the whole night)
• $30

>>>FUSE YOUTH DETAILS<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 11th December

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church.

>>>KIDS CHURCH DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | Future Church Now – KIDS

Of the 8 billion people in the world, 1.8 billion have been born since 2010. Generation Alpha (born 2010 to 2024) are already the second largest generation in the world, just behind the 1.9 billion Generation Z (born 1995 to 2009).” The two biggest generations of our age are the two youngest. What can we do as a church to transform their lives with the power of the gospel? In this service we will give you a snapshot of how we make a difference through Kids Ministry, Boys Brigade, Playgroup and Compassion International.

We would love to see you at 10am here at Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Come early and enjoy a hot drink at our cafe. If you can't make it, you can catch up on the YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Kids Church Online | Sunday 18th December

Thank you to all our Kids Church leaders and volunteers, what a wonderful team we have. While our Kids Church leaders and volunteers are taking a break, you can still watch Kids Church online! Visit our website and tune in for some fun and great teaching.

>>>KIDS CHURCH ONLINE<<<

Christmas Day Service | Sunday 25th December

Get ready to celebrate Christmas day! We look forward to seeing you at 9am – 10am.

Office Closed | Monday 26th December 2022 – Tuesday 3rd January 2023

The office will be closed Monday 26th December 2022 and open Tuesday 3rd January 2023. If you are in need of a pastor or support, please call (03) 9702 1011 and leave a message and we will contact you.

No Service | Sunday January 1st 2023

Our wonderful volunteers are having a well deserved break and will be back Sunday 8th January 2023! Why not watch one of our live stream services on YouTube or Facebook that you may have missed in 2022.

Life@Work Conference | Saturday 18th February 2023

The Future of Work: How to love your colleagues and share Jesus in an ever-changing landscape

Life@Work Conference is City Bible Forum’s annual conference to encourage Christians in the workplace. Since 2013, the conference has been equipping and empowering Christians from around Australia, and the world, for their life and witness in the workplace.

Join us at Life@Work Conference 2023 as we discover the answers. Feel confident to be a Christian in your daily work, in spite of uncertainty!

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Young Families Camping | Friday 3rd March – Sunday 5th March 2023

Who would like to go camping at Warburton Holiday Park, 30 Woods Point Road Warburton. Located approximately one hour from Berwick? This is a chance for young families to camp together and experience the fun of connecting through camping. You’ll need to provide your own camping equipment, bedding, meals etc. Make sure you book.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor