Friday 4th March 2022

We have referenced over the past couple of weeks how we are more than just a local church expression, but in essence have become a movement. It would be our responsibility to develop the next generation of movement leaders, as any movement is just one generation away from starvation if new leaders aren’t developed to take the lead. As Pastor Genny Smith so eloquently stated this past Sunday:

Paul tells Timothy the following…read it slow and let it simmer in your mind for a while:

'Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. '

1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

'And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. '

2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

'You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, '

2 Timothy 3:10 NIV

We know Timothy was a young leader. Some scholars believe he was about 21 when he was ordained by the Apostle Paul. This ability to raise young leaders is, unfortunately, something that is lacking in broad Christianity today. The reason?

It takes well-developed, seasoned leaders to mentor young potential leaders to a place where they can grow in their readiness for the rigors of leadership. As a movement, we want to be known for our ability to raise and equip Christ Followers! This would mean that we as the “older generation” should invest in our younger leaders on three levels:

• Spiritual fortitude: Making sure our leaders follow Christ in everything amidst a world filled with alternative options in terms of spirituality. Presenting the depth and breadth of the gospel’s transformative effect on the individual. Enlighten them to the completeness of the gospel.
• Strategic insight: Finding a way to present the Gospel with power to individuals, local communities, and the broader society that has become despondent towards the church and its message. Equipping them for today's world with proven strategies.
• Servant leadership: Posturing ourselves to develop others in their unique calling with loving humility while restoring hope through serving our sphere of influence. Empowering others to lead rather than creating a culture of consumerism.

I want to invite you to take up leadership somewhere in our movement. We need leaders in order to be able to develop leaders. Your chronological age should never be the blockage. You may be a senior…but young in leadership.

Just start…lead anything…we would love to raise people that serve like Christ did and that will lead our community to a new level of in God’s purposes. On our website, you can access forms to sign up as a volunteer.

One of our current leaders will then follow you up and start the process of engaging on an opportunity to serve as Christ did. At the moment I’d like to hide the following areas of need for servants:

• Kids ministry
• Coffee ministry
• Young Adults ministry
• Encounter team
• Creative Arts (Worship and Tech)

Just to remind you of our initiatives to reach the younger generation, here is the video clip we produced to help refresh your memory about this:

Baptism Celebration | Last Sunday

It has been a privilege for us, as a church, to witness the baptisms of Hannah, Daleen and Kris last Sunday. Their life journeys are all different but they have one thing in common, they believe that baptism by full immersion, as described in the Scriptures, is their next step. Perhaps, you are contemplating if baptism is the next step in your spiritual journey. If you are then we would like to chat with you. Just fill out the form found on our website and Pastor Michael will be in touch. 

Worship Pastor commissioning | Monya Van Staden

Wasn't it great to have our new Worship Pastor Monya Von Staden and her family join us and get commissioned on Sunday? Monya's husband is Johannes (pronounced Yohan), and the kids are Ian who is almost 4 years old) and Eben (pronounced Yeben) who just turned 2 recently.  Please say hi to them and make them feel welcome. They are (new) migrants just like us and could really benefit from our support and prayers. What a blessing it was to have Monya lead the Worship Team in singing The Blessing over our Youth and Young adults!

Youth & Young Adults | Anointing

If you haven't had a chance yet, watch Pastor Genny's awesome sermon on Minors which focuses on the challenges our youth and young adults are facing and what we can do as a church to support them. She instructed us to (1) encourage, (2) empower, and (3) pray for this generation for “Our minors are the church of the now as well as the church of the future". At the end of the service, Pastor Braam led us in prayer, the worship team led the congregation in singing the Blessing, and Pastors, Elders, and Prayer Team anointed youth and young adults with oil. What an experience it was!

Communion | Collecting elements

We will have a new process to follow as far as collecting communion elements are concerned. From this weekend, the communion elements will no longer be available on the seats. Please grab them from the bowls before you enter the auditorium doors. The Board of Elders will be available to serve you this weekend and can assist if you have any questions.

After communion, please keep the used cups with you and place them in the rubbish bins just outside the auditorium doors.

Fuse Youth | Tonight

This week at FUSE Youth we have a special extended worship night (if you have been to FUSE Camp… Saturday night camp worship style!). Get ready for a night of worship led by our amazing worship team and come expectant & ready for what God wants to do! Bring a friend and we will see you there!

Details:

• Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Cost: $5

Kids Church | Building the Tabernacle

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…
PREP – GRADE 6 | Building the Tabernacle
God wants us to work together | Exodus
WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Everyone can be friends with Jesus
Andrew & Peter, John & James | Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11

Sunday Service | Mental Health

Mental health issues in all their many forms impact most families in the Church and in the wider community.  Depression, anxiety, and other mood and behaviour disorders are experienced either long term or short term in the lives of 1 in 5 people. Does the Bible speak about these conditions? Does Jesus and the Apostles tell the church how to meet this challenge? How does a church that wishes to make a difference in our community, minister to sufferers and carers alike? These and many other issues will be addressed on Sunday.

If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.

Boys Brigade | Monday 7th March

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 9th March

Our Seniors Ministry will be entertained by Barry who will take us on a stroll down memory lane with music we have enjoyed during our younger years.

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Bring: please bring a platter for everyone to share

Worship in Heavenly Places | Sunday 13th March

When it comes to worship, many New Testament believers will approach God in an Old Covenant fashion. What do you think is the difference a revelation of the New Testament would have on our worship experience? On this Sunday we will spend time discovering the enormous difference this revelation has on our worship of God…and apply it!

Fuse Youth camp | Book now!

We are going to CYC The Island at Phillip Island on Friday 18th March 2022 – Sunday 20th March 2022. Get pumped for our camp theme “This Is The Day,” beach tribal wars, an extended worship night, beach trips, great teaching and good chats. Book now to save your spot!

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor