Blessed to be a blessing
Friday 19th August 2022
The art collector William Randolph Hearst, who was also a great publisher, would scout for unique art pieces to enrich his collection on a regular basis. He would sometimes buy off whole collections from estates or individuals that had passed on. On one occasion he read about a specific painting which immediately triggered his interest. As he started to track it down, he became so devoted to finding it that he sent his people far and wide to help him find it…to no avail! More than a year after they called off the search, one of his employees came to him and told him that the painting had at last been found. In excited disbelief, Hearst enquired about the complex search operation that led to the discovery of the painting and where specifically it was found. “It was in your basement. You owned it already!” the employee responded. Mr. Hearst never searched the ledger where he recorded all his purchases…! He was not aware of the wealth He already possessed. Many Christ Followers operate their lives never fully understanding all the blessings that are available to them in Christ.
The Apostle Paul knew the importance of knowing what belongs to us in Christ as it serves as our empowerment to function as missional individuals in this world:
'For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, '
Ephesians 1:15,17-20 NIV
It is from this enlightenment of the heart that we as His church can fulfil our mission to be His presence in every place!
I want you to know that we as the leadership pray this for you regularly. We pray that you may be enlightened with the knowledge of His rich inheritance which is stored up in us – for the sake of the vision to transform individuals and communities by the power of the gospel. As individuals and as a faith community we have been entrusted with time, treasure, and talent to support this!
We also would like to take care of those of you who need support as the economical climate shifts. Be aware that the Living Springs Counselling Centre, Food Pantry, Life Groups, and leaders are all there to give you access to support should you need it. Do not hesitate to make contact should you be in need.
Next Steps Lunch | Highlights
We had an awesome time at the last Next Steps Lunch. It was well attended and our amazing team served almost 40 people with a delicious 2 course meal. For those who don't know, the Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event where you get the opportunity to get connected, spend time with the pastors, learn more about the movement, discover your potential, and take the next steps in your faith journey whilst enjoying a sumptuous meal.
It is our desire that the whole church goes through the Next Steps lunches to experience Berwick hospitality and help everyone take their Next Steps whether you are a newcomer or long time attender. And did I mention it's free? 🙂
Food Pantry | Pick up at your next shop
Can you give someone a hand up, not a hand out, but a hand up this season? Due to the latest global economic conditions that are affecting our local community, the number of families that seek assistance from the Food Pantry has increased. You can Be HIs presence in Every Place and Serve the City by buying some or one of these items at your next grocery shop and donating them to the Food Pantry at the church.
- Toilet paper
- Long life milk
- Spreads
- Sweet biscuits
- Savoury biscuits
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned fruit
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
Thank you for giving someone a hand up in this season.
Operation Christmas Child | Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas
Would you like to bring joy to young people? Would you like to bring the gospel of Jesus to children? Would you like to transform the life of a child in a third world country? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. And you can do it in 6 easy steps!
- Go to the Next Steps Desk and purchase a box for 50 cents
- Fill the box with the gifts
- Label your box
- Bring the box back by 25th September 2022
- Make a $10 donation for shipping and gospel materials
- Pray for the child who will receive your box
Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
Find out more by going to the Next Steps Desk before and after the Sunday worship service.
Fuse Youth | Friday 19th August
This week at FUSE Youth we are continuing our series #RELATIONSHIPS with an extended WORSHIP NIGHT in the auditorium! Come along ready to hear from an amazing leader as they share how to grow in relationship with God through prayer and worship! Of course, the night will also include an extended time of worship together, good chats and good food!
Key details:
- 7-9.30pm
- $5
- @BCOC
Kids Church | Sunday 21st August
Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…
PREP – GRADE 2 | God loves us no matter what
The Fall | Genesis 3 (Genesis 2:15-17)
WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | I am wonderfully made in God’s image
In Gods image |Acts 17:24; Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 2:6
Sunday Service | Promised Land – Wealth 2
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. We look forward to seeing you!
If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.
Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 21st August
Guest speaker Justin Lindsey was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up on a farm with his parents and younger brother. After graduating High School he moved to Sydney and attended Hillsong College where he graduated after 3 years. Just has served in Hillsong Youth for nearly 7 years and now alongside his wife Kealy they serve as the Youth Pastors for the Melbourne East Campus. They are passionate about seeing young people filled with the spirit and stepping into everything they are called to be.
BYO a meal to have fellowship with after the service. More details.
Details:
- Time: 5.30pm
- Room: Auditorium
Boys Brigade | Monday 22nd August
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 24th August
Our Seniors Ministry will talk about all things GOLD! We will also learn about the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi – cups transformed by gold.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Room: Connect Lounge
- Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share
Guest speaker Eddy Leo | Sunday 4th September
Guest speaker Pastor Eddy Leo will be visiting us to preach about Warfare as part of our Promised Land series. Eddy is the founder and lead pastor of Abbalove Ministries in Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest churches in the world.
He pioneered Christian Men’s Network Indonesia and is the advisor to CMN International. Eddy is also a well accomplished author and is married to Rosemarry and has two sons, Christian and Daniel.
Join us to hear from Pastor Eddy Leo.
Kids Encounter Day | Saturday 24th September
Grades 2-6 don’t miss out!
BCOC’s Kids Encounter Day is a unique opportunity for Grade 2 – 6 kids to learn more about their loving heavenly Father, the importance of forgiveness, how to hear God’s voice, and much more. Engaging teaching material will be applied in aged-based small groups to facilitate personal encounter times. And of course, there will be lots of yummy food, great games and heaps of fun!
Details:
- Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm
- Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Cost:
Early bird until Saturday 3rd September – $25
From Sunday 4th September – $35
Registrations close Sunday 18th September
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
