...Being His Presence in Every Place…

Friday 7th October 2022

The city of Jerusalem has been the beacon of hope for the Jewish nation for many centuries. It would ignite a sparkle of hope and promise in the eyes of any devout Jew. No doubt many a Jew outside of Jerusalem would plan to one day settle where the future King/Messiah would eventually reign from, or at least plan the coveted pilgrimage there over Easter.

There was however a dark, ever-increasing slum where the poorest of the poor would hang around the sickest of the sick – just on the outskirts of Jerusalem… The “cursed” would gather there and tales are told of even the recently deceased who would not be granted an honorable funeral to be left there. The stench of such a place would from time to time reach across the boundary walls that were supposed to create a barrier between the “living” and the “dead”. The abhorring sensory attack it brought would seep through its gates and create an overwhelming awareness of the rejected and destitute right inside the edge of the city of Jerusalem. This slum’s name was… “Hades”. It became a reference for what hell would be like. Jerusalem would do all it could to create distance and separation from Hades.

One of Jesus’ most profound references to us – his church – used this hostility between Jerusalem and Hades to illustrate His presence here on earth through us. We find this in the gospel of Matthew:

'Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. '

Matthew 16:16-20 NIV

Jesus saw a body of people not overcome by an environment threatened by death and destruction, but who in fact will have authority in heaven (depicted by Jerusalem) and earth (depicted by Hades) without any sense of intimidation! That is so much to take in…I’d like you to ponder that for a few moments. A glorious, conquering church in a world marked by death and decay. That is us His…His presence…in every place! Right on the doorstep of Hades, offering salvation and the good news of a different Kingdom conquering darkness. Let’s read again our purpose as a church as declared by the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians:

'And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.'

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV

You are part of that. Wow…! What a purpose to dedicate your life to!

Your Story | Let go of my past

I have always grown up in a Christian household and was always taught about Christ through my parents and church. I always knew God and always had him in my life and surrounding my life, but I never felt this close relationship with him like I’ve seen through others and heard from what others have experienced. Even though I knew God, I have done some things I am not proud of. And recently, I have lost some close friendships and felt like I had no one to turn to. I felt depressed and had awful thoughts of anger and loneliness, I was about to give in to those thoughts when I listened to some worship songs. Then, I realised that I was not alone. That God had been with me through the times I felt so alone. He was the one walking alongside me and helping me even through those difficult times. I decided to let go of my past and move on. I felt that it was right to say goodbye to all of the negativity, sadness, and terrible thoughts. I also felt this urge to get baptised. It must have been the Holy Spirit speaking to me. The Bible says, " If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation". I want to be a new person through Christ and strengthen this new relationship I have with him.

We love to hear inspirational stories about how individual lives have been changed! If you would like to share 'Your Story', please email: [email protected] and inspire others!

FUSE Youth | Friday 7th October

FUSE Youth ARE BACK and super pumped for an incredible term four! This week we have the Grade 6’s joining the FUSE fam so we are going all out! Get ready for jumping castles, all in games, good food and more! Bring all of your friends and get ready for an epic night!
7-9.30pm, $5

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 8th October

Get ready to put on your walking shoes! If you are looking for a social walking group in Clyde, you have found it. We are of all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family and friends. Make new friends, build a support network, have fun, and work on your fitness.

Details:

Date: Every Saturday, weather permitting. Check the iConnect Facebook page for updates.
Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
Address: Casey Fields Playspace car park

>>>iConnect FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 9th October

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | Down in a hole

Joseph sold by his brothers and ending up in gaol | Genesis 37, Genesis 39-40

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | We can always trust God’s plans

Noah’s Ark | Genesis 6-7

Baptism Celebration | Sunday 9th October

Come along this Sunday as we celebrate baptisms. We are so excited as a church family to experience the personal, heartfelt stories of individuals who have chosen to be baptised.

Sunday Service | Vision Sunday

Your life can be an experience of deep fulfillment and wonder or a constant search for meaning. This Sunday we will discover how we can move our lives to a place where we celebrate being alive and living with purpose.

Boys Brigade | Monday 10th October

Be part of the action Monday night. 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

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 12th October

Our Seniors Ministry Caitlin Healy will speak to us about the work of Destiny Rescue, an organisation which rescues children from sexual exploitation & trafficking. A Freewill Offering will be taken.

Details:

Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY DETAILS<<<

Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 16th October

Would you like to meet and spend some time with the Pastors and Ministry Directors? If you have not been to a Next Steps lunch, we invite you to join us beginning Sunday 16th October 2022, 12.20-2.30pm. The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 16th, 23rd, and 30th October) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, discover your potential, and take the next steps in your faith journey whilst enjoying a sumptuous meal.

You do need to RSVP before Thursday 13th October.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Child Dedication Q&A & Briefing | Sunday 23rd October

Child dedication Q&A and briefing
If you’re interested in Child Dedication, there is a brief Q&A and briefing session.

Please contact the church office to register your interest.

Details:

Date: Sunday 23rd October 2022
Time: Directly after the service in room 6
Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Alpha | Course

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 a video and have an open discussion and conversation in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.

Dinner costs: $15 (plus a 30c booking fee)

CONNECT
Connecting with others is important; friends gathered 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 one is around thirty minutes long and played as a video. They explore important issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?

DISCUSS
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share 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 open environment.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

GTM 1 | Course

GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect 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

Watch the trailer on our website.

Details:

Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Date: Tuesday 4th October 2022
Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

For further details, please email [email protected] or phone (03) 9702 1011

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

GTM 2 | Course

GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed the first unit.

Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of: