Friday 23rd September 2022

The capacity to change as an individual is subject matter that has fascinated humanities for thousands of years. If you walk the aisles of bookstores, or scroll through the “best seller” lists you will undoubtedly find a strong representation of the “self-help” genre. Usually these books contain strategies that relates to a combination of three sources for personal change:

• Nature – how to use biological and natural powers to invoke change
• Nurture – unlocking the potential of education and conditioning to become
• Culture – leaning on societal forces to improve your role in society

None of these should be completely discarded as baseless or without value. The reality of human history does however present individuals who “had it made” on all three these levels and still battle with a sense of purposelessness. It usually leads to thoughts like “Why am I so unhappy, when I actually have it so good?” On the other side we have seen people like Helen Keller, who had almost none of these aspects in full flight, yet lived a life of deep sense of purpose and motivation.

We believe as Christians that the key to living life in abundance is not locked up so much in “what” you know, as it is in “who” you know:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 NIV

Our challenge however is that we so easily get caught up in chasing what we want outside of a deep personal relationship with the source of life in abundance. We try to acquire the fruit while living disconnected from the root.

The very essence of what made Jesus of Nazareth the long awaited Christ is at work here:

“how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

Acts 10:38 NIV

It is the Holy Spirit within us that brings about our purpose to be His presence in every place as a church. The content of our “root” – Jesus Christ – flows into our lives as we live in relationship with Him. As we branch out into this world through our daily living starts to become fruitful and we find a deep inner source of positive change…far beyond nature, nurture or culture. Just take a few moments and actively meditate on the following description of this fruitful life as described by the apostle Paul:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

May you experience the “being” part of our purpose all the more as you engage with Christ whom you follow!

Car Park Team | Is this you?

I have great news. Our onsite attendance has gone back to pre-pandemic numbers and with the good weather coming, we expect even more people to come to our worship services and have encounters with God. Thank you Lord! And with growth comes new opportunities. We are looking for people who would welcome attendees with a smile as they drive into the church property and guide them into a parking spot on Sunday mornings.

Interested? 

1. Fill out the volunteer application form here
2. In the ministry section choose:
   > Welcome Department
   > Car Parking Team
   > Car Parking Team Expression of Interest
3. Already a volunteer? Need more info? Contact Pastor Michael at [email protected] and he would welcome a chat with you.

Operation Christmas Child | Due Back This Sunday!

Don't forget, boxes are due back this Sunday and can be returned to the Next Steps desk. Remember to fill out your labels and give the necessary $10 donation per box for shipping.

Thank you for bringing joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas.

FUSE Youth | On Break

There is no FUSE Youth this week, Term 4 will start on the 7th October.

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 24th September

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 | No Program

Our volunteers are taking a well earnt rest today so there will be no Kids Church program onsite. We will be proving colouring at the back of the auditorium. 

We can't wait to see you all again when Kids Church returns Sunday 9th October!

Sunday Service | Sunday 25th September

The real machine gun preacher at Berwick Church of Christ!

Sam Childers life was the subject of Hollywood movie The Machine Gun Preacher. Sam: aka the Machine Gun Preacher, will be visiting us to share his life story, which was captured in The Machine Gun Preacher motion picture (Starring Hollywood heart-throb and well know Scotsman – Gerard Butler playing the role of Sam Childers).

Sam has built one of the largest orphanages in Southern Sudan, which has fed and housed more than 1,000 children. With the orphanage finished, Childers began to lead armed missions to rescue children from the Lord’s Resistance Army – which led to villagers calling him ‘The Machine Gun Preacher’. 

Join us Sunday 25th September, invite your friends to hear Sam’s harrowing story and please bring cash if you would like to donate to Sam's work!

>>>WATCH THE TRAILER<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 28th September

Our Seniors Ministry welcomes guest speaker Martina McArdle and she will tell her dramatic story of needing a lung transplant. She will also talk about her ongoing work with transplant patients.

Details:

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

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY DETAILS<<<

Alpha | Wednesday 28th September

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<<<

Exploring Partnership | Tuesday 4th October

You may have been attending our events or even become part of a close-knit group of people in our community. We would love for you to consider taking up a partnership with us in fulfilling God’s call on our movement. Exploring Partnership is an important step in discovering how you can fit into Berwick Church of Christ. It is an orientation towards what makes us unique and how we function as a community. You will get to know the leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.

Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

GTM 1 Course | Tuesday 4th October

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 | Tuesday 4th October

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:

• 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<<<

Vision Sunday & Baptisms | Sunday 9th October

This Sunday our worship team will take us all to heavenly places. We will bring you a fantastic message which you can implement into your own life.  Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. 

Also we are having Baptisms that day, which is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. 

Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

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. 

#nextsteps #berwickchurch #churchfamily

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor