Table of Contents
Carols
Wednesday 4th December 2024
The season of carols and hymns offers a unique opportunity for Christ-followers to engage in worship and outreach, connecting Christ’s love with the world around us. This emphasises that singing, primarily through the rich tradition of carols and hymns, isn’t merely a form of worship; it is a profound way to share the gospel, unite believers, and welcome others into a shared spiritual experience. Through singing, we proclaim God’s story in a way that resonates deeply, often reaching hearts that might otherwise be distant from the church.
Carols and hymns hold a special place in the life of a believer. Colossians 3:16 captures this beautifully:
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse encourages us to embrace singing to teach and celebrate Christ’s truth, filling our hearts and minds with gratitude and reverence. Music allows us to express worship in ways words alone cannot, evoking emotions and creating memories that stay with us.
Moreover, carols and hymns during the Christmas season create a powerful bridge between the church and the broader community. Songs like “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World” communicate the message of Christ’s birth in a way that feels accessible and comforting to many. This explains that the universality of carols serves as an invitation, offering people an entry point to experience the hope and joy of the gospel without needing to be familiar with traditional church practices.
Ephesians 5:19 also speaks to the importance of music in the Christian community, urging us to
“speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
In doing so, we foster unity, encouraging one another in faith. Singing together cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose, drawing people closer to each other and to God.
Through carols and hymns, Christ-followers are given the chance to bring God’s love to life in public spaces, creating an atmosphere where the gospel is heard, felt, and celebrated. As we open our doors and voices this season, may our singing become a channel of God’s grace, inviting others into the joyous story of Christ’s birth. In this way, worship through song becomes both a spiritual practice and a heartfelt outreach, proclaiming God’s love to all.
Join our Fantastic Volunteer Team!
Fulfilling the vision and mission of Berwick Church of Christ is only made possible through the dedication and service of our wonderful volunteers. As we have grown, the need for more volunteers has increased. Volunteering is partnering with Jesus to touch lives with his love. Serving as a volunteer is hugely rewarding, and a fun way to meet new friends and help our church community to flourish. We need your support in the following areas…
- Worship – Musicians and Sound Technicians
- Kids Church – Sign-in, Safety, and Room Team
- Playgroup
- Food Pantry – Set up Team
Ready to jump on board? Click the link and complete the Volunteers Application Form.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We can’t wait to see you make an impact!
Kids Church 2025
Kids Church resumes on Sunday 26th January for a Summer Fun Day. Bring a hat, wear some joggers, reconnect with buddies and bring along a friend for a great day!
Kids Church | Sunday 8th December | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Jesus Is Born (Luke 2:1-7)
5 to 12-year-olds | Gabriel Appears to Mary and Joseph |Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25
Christmas Carol Services | Sunday 8th December | 9:00 am, 11:00 am & 6:00 pm
Join us for a joyful celebration of the Christmas season at our Christmas Carol events this Sunday, December 8th. Services will be held at 9am, 11am, and 6pm, featuring a program of special song items, solo performances, and a special time of singing Christmas carols together.
This year’s theme, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” invites us all to reflect on and celebrate the great gift of Jesus to the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together in praise and joy, embracing the true meaning of Christmas. There will be a Photobooth available from December 8th until the end of the month, so join in the fun! Kids Church programs will run as usual at 9am and 11am, but no Kids Church program will be running at 6pm. All are welcome to join in this festive occasion!
Please come early to secure a seat as there is no live stream.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 8th December | 5:45 pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Kids Church End of Year Party | Sunday 15th December 2024 | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
We want to celebrate what a fantastic year we have had at Kids Church. Make sure you are here for all the fun, games, and an Ice Cream Truck on Sunday, 15th December, at both 9:00am and 11:00am services. Parents, please note: this is the last day of Kids Church for the year. We recommence on Sunday, 26th January 2025.
YA Social | TenPin Bowling | Sunday 15th December | 6:00 pm
HEY YOUNG ADS, WE’RE GOING BOWLING!!! You are invited to our FINAL social of 2024!
We are going to OZ TenPin Bowling Narre Warren. Food will be provided as well as 2 games of bowling. The cost is $20 and we can’t wait to see you there!
Key Details:
- Date: 15th December 2024
- Location: OZ Tenpin Narre Warren, 14/22 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren VIC 3805
- Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $20 - What to wear: Your best bowling attire!
- All YA invited (including VCE).
Drinks are not included but there is a cafe where you can buy drinks. Please note that this is an alcohol free event.
Christmas Day Service | Wednesday 25th Decembr 2024 | 9:00 am only
On Christmas Day we will celebrate our Saviour’s birth with one service at 9:00 am. How wonderful to start the day by worshiping our risen King and enjoying fellowship with our church family and friends.
No Church services | Sunday 29th Decembr 2024
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for their incredible dedication and support. They have given so much, and now it’s time for a well-earned break. There will be no church services on Sunday 29th December as our volunteers will be taking a rest over the Christmas holidays, and we will be reopening on Sunday, 5th January 2025.
We are deeply grateful for everything our wonderful volunteers do in supporting church wide ministries, and we wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season. We can’t wait to serve with you again in the New Year!
Young Families | Camping Weekend | Friday 21st February 2025
Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
Get ready for a weekend of making unforgettable memories! We invite you to join us from February 21st (Friday) to February 23rd (Sunday) 2025, for the Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton. Strengthening the bonds between your family and others is our main priority!
Enjoy crisp, fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom, watch children play around the campsite, enjoy the fantastic free Water Park and paddle in the Warburton River. Warburton has plenty of cafes, and Redwood Forest has fantastic walking and cycling trails and is great fun for photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship.
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is loads of fun (and much easier with a group).
So gather your adventurous spirit, pack your sense of humour, and join us for this amazing weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us!
Please mark your calendars and book soon because our Young Families Camping Weekend awaits and sites are filling up with 120 people already registered!
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
