Blossoming Unity
Wednesday 7th February 2024
This week, I want to share a light-hearted anecdote that I hope will set the tone for our reflections on the significance of unity in marriage.
Before the pitter-patter of little feet graced our home, my spouse and I often marveled at the simplicity of the phrase “two becoming". Little did we know that it wasn't just about sharing closet space but also about merging our individual quirks, habits, and, of course, senses of humour.
In the pursuit of unity in our marital adventure, we chose the name “Blossoming Unity," a name that continues to remind us of the beauty that unfolds when two hearts come together in love.
As we navigate through this journey (which sometimes feels like a marital comedy), let's consider some habits to establish, inspired by the wisdom of Scripture:
- Prioritise Quality Time Together (Song of Solomon 5:1):
Just as the Song of Solomon speaks of the delight in the presence of a beloved, let us prioritise moments of joy, laughter, and genuine connection amidst life's busyness. - Develop a Shared Vision and Goals (Proverbs 29:18):
Proverbs reminds us that without vision, people perish. In the context of marriage, let us cultivate shared dreams and aspirations that strengthen our bond and give direction to our journey. - Nurture Emotional Intimacy (Ephesians 5:31-32):
Ephesians beautifully portrays the union of marriage as a profound mystery. As we navigate the mystery, let us invest in understanding, supporting, and cherishing each other, fostering emotional intimacy that deepens our connection.
However, marriage also comes with its share of pitfalls, and it's essential to be mindful of them:
- Neglecting the Marriage Relationship Amid Busy Careers (Mark 8:36):
Jesus reminds us of the value of our souls. In the hustle and bustle of life, let us not lose sight of the soul-nurturing bond we share as a couple. - Allowing External Pressures to Divide (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12):
Ecclesiastes emphasises the strength found in companionship. External pressures may come, but as we stand together, we are stronger against the storms that life brings.
As we reflect on the journey of “Blossoming Unity," let us be mindful of the delicate balance between career and marriage, the importance of building a shared vision, and the art of maintaining intimacy amid life's busyness.
May your marriage continue to be a source of laughter, love, and unwavering unity.
Food Pantry | Our city needs your help!
Last year, the Food Pantry supported 96 families with 231 visits who were in need of crisis support. 96 families – families who are doing it tough. Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours.
The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give our local community. The Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the 'Community Group of the Year' award. Let's reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry basket in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12noon.
Let's Love People and Serve Our City, through buying one item for the Food Pantry so we can all play a part of being His presence in the City of Casey!
- Jam / Peanut Butter
- Pasta sauces
- Tinned baked beans /spaghetti
- Tinned tuna / soup
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap bars
- Laundry Liquid
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Toilet Paper
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Cash or card payments 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
Playgroup starts back next week | Please pray!
We will welcome many little children with their Mums and Grandmas (and a few Dads and Grandpas) to eight Playgroup sessions next week! Playgroups provide a great opportunity for Christians (participants and helpers) to mix with those from the wider community, and our playgroups are very popular!
Some things you could pray for:
- Wonderful times of connection and fun for adults and children
- For some extra child-free helpers to join our team
- For each group to have a “core" of Christians (participants and helpers) ready and willing to be His presence in their group
And if God is nudging you to find out more or to get involved, please click the link below or contact Sue (0403 822 324 or [email protected])
>>>PLAYGROUP<<<
Fuse Youth | Friday 9th February 2024 | 7.00 pm
Hey Fuse, on Friday night we kick off our first Real Talk Night of 2024! Come along to hear from our guest speaker Jamo, worship, good chats and food! 7-9.30pm, $5.
>>>FUSE YOUTH<<<
Sunday Service | 11th February 2024 | 10.00 am
Harmony of the Heart – Navigating the Seasons of Marriage
This sermon series aims to guide us through the various seasons of marriage, providing biblical principles and practical insights to strengthen relationships at every stage.
>>>LIVE STREAM YouTube<<<
Kids Church | Sunday 11th February 2024 | 10.00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The unloved woman| John 8:2-11
5 to 12-year-olds | Ruth and Naomi | Ruth 1-2
Onsite check-in opens at 9:45am and closes at 10:15am. Kids Church finishes at 11:30am.
>>>KIDS CHURCH<<<
Fuse Fest Family Fun Day | Sunday 11th February 2024 | 11.30 am
Following our Sunday service on the 11th of February, Fuse Youth will be hosting a ‘FUSE FEST FAMILY FUN DAY’ for our whole church community!
There will be:
- Inflatables
- Carnival games (including a dunk tank and high striker)
- A sausage sizzle
- Live music
- Face painting
- Competitions
- and more!
The whole family is invited… it will be a blast! This event will raise money for our youth ministry, providing much-needed resources and opportunities to sponsor teenagers to attend events such as the State Youth Games!
*Please Note: We will have an EFTPOS machine available, but you should bring along some cash for the day to purchase tickets – this will save you time, ensuring you don’t have to wait in the EFTPOS line!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 11th February 2024 | 5.45 pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet regularly to pray together. James 5:16 – speaks about the effect of fervent prayer and how it achieves great things! Come along and enjoy fellowship, worship, and prayer as men of faith gather to seek God for mighty breakthroughs. Time: 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.
>>>MEN'S PRAYER GROUP<<<
Boys Brigade | Monday 12th February 2024 | 6.00 pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys. We provide a Christian community that supports boys and young men and assists in their Christian growth, physical development, and leadership training while teaching life skills. Come along and be part of the action!
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm
>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<
Baptism Class | Monday 12th February 2024 | 7.00 pm
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 14th February 2024 | 1.30 pm
Come ready to celebrate a New Year and recall events from 2023. Do you have any highlights from last year you could share with the group? Please bring a plate for everyone to share.
>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<
Partners Gathering | Sunday 18th February 2024 | 12.30 pm
We’re having a Partners Gathering and we'd love you to join us! This is a great time of connection as we come together to share, celebrate, and build stronger relationships!
We’ve got an action-packed program planned – from inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.
Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and join us for an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing you there!
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Young Adults Social | Sunday 18th February 2024 | 5.30 pm
BBQ, pool, games, food and fun! Let’s kick off the New Year with a good time! Address: 17 Wild Duck Way, Beaconsfield. Time: 5:30 pm. Light snacks will be provided, and please bring along some meat to share on the BBQ!! Feel free to bring bathers as well for a swim! See you there!
>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 20th February 2024 | 7.30 pm
The Mental Health Support Gatherings are a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ.
These Gatherings cater for carers, people who may benefit from mental health support and their friends and family. This is a safe place to be heard and to share life's challenges, make friendships and have hope restored.
In addition, the Gatherings also provide tools to assist people in dealing with life and, on occasion, have specialist speakers addressing relevant topics.
You are not alone. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are held fortnightly on Tuesdays during the School Terms from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. If you're interested in coming along please click the 'Book Now' link below and choose: Special Interest Group: Mental Health Support Gatherings. For more information please contact the Church Office 03 9702 1011.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Day out for young families at Warburton! | Saturday 24th February 2024
Pack a picnic lunch, bathers, and towels and join us on Saturday, February 24, at the Warburton Water World (completely free and located beside the caravan park we are staying at). We also have a communal site in the caravan park where you can mingle with our camping families during the day. Just let us know you are coming so we can look out for you (Sue 0403 822 324).
Details about day trip plus information about camping at Warburton can be found here. Sites for camping are very limited, but you may be able to secure one or go on a cancellation list.
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 25th February 2024 | 10.00 am
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just full immersion in water; it is a significant act of obedience that empowers a believer to live a flourishing Christian life. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<
Young Adult Camp | 1st-3rd March 2024
We are going to Bonnie Doon for Summer Camp on Friday 1st March – Sunday 3rd March 2024. This is a weekend not to be missed by any YA (Age 16+)! We've lined up watersports with plenty of boats & jet skis, optional walking trail and golf. Friday night we will have a bbq dinner at our venue. There's a Special Saturday Evening Service following dinner at the Bonnie Doon Hotel. We have PLENTY of rad times sorted for you all!
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 3rd March 2024 | 12.20 pm
As a movement, it’s important for us to get to know each other better and take the next steps in our journey of faith. To this end, we want to invite you to the next … Next Steps Lunches.
Next Steps Lunches are held on three Sundays after Church (March 3rd, 17th, and 24th, 2024). At these events, you will have the opportunity to connect with others and learn about our Church Movement whilst enjoying a delicious meal. There's also opportunity for you to discover your strengths and gifting potential.
These free lunches are specifically relevant to Newcomers but if you’ve been an attendee, a volunteer, or a partner and you've never attended a Next Step Lunch before, you are most welcome to register.
The expectation is that people who book will attend all three lunches, as each session has a different focus.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Xtreme Character Challenge | Men | 21st-24th March 2024
An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild. This is NOT a Church Men’s Camp. The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; for 72 hours, men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual input moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.
Details:
- Date: 21st – 24th March 2024
- Where: Scenic Rim, Queensland
All participants will be screened to ensure they are up for the challenge. Please note that a full refund will be provided if you are not eligible to participate.
* This event is independently organised by 4MAUS.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 17th April 2024 | 7.00 pm
The Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
The Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all married couples with or without a church background. The course will help you to:
- Understand each others needs
- Communicate more effectively
- Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict
- Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other
- Recognise how your upbringing affects your relationship
- Improve relationships with parents and in-laws
- Develop greater sexual intimacy
- Discover each others “love language” and much, much more….
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
