Table of Contents
Christmas | An Invitation to Belong in God’s Family
Wednesday 10th December 2025
If the first Christmas teaches us who the true King is, the second great truth is this: Christmas invites us into God’s family, not as guests but as sons and daughters.
In our world, belonging often feels uncertain. Many families carry fractures. Many hearts carry loneliness. Many people feel like spectators in life—present, but not truly known. Christmas answers that ache.
The Incarnation—God becoming human—restores our vocation as image-bearers. Jesus doesn’t simply rescue us; He rehumanises us. He becomes what we were meant to be so we can become who we were created to be. When the Word becomes flesh, God moves into our neighbourhood to rewrite our story.
God’s goal isn’t merely forgiveness but adoption. The Son of God became a human child so that human children might become sons and daughters of God. “He was born into our family,” Keller said, “so we could be born into His.”
Look at the Christmas story carefully. Every single character is given a place to belong:
- Mary is welcomed into God’s purpose.
- Joseph is welcomed into God’s courage.
- Shepherds are welcomed into God’s joy.
- Magi are welcomed into God’s search for truth.
- Herod, tragically, rejects the invitation—and becomes a warning for us all.
The birth of Jesus is God’s declaration that no one is too far, too broken, too confused, or too ashamed to be welcomed home. Christmas is God’s answer to the cry, “Where do I fit?” The stable becomes a signpost: “Here—here is where you belong.”
But belonging in God’s family also means belonging in God’s Kingdom community. The church is not an optional add-on; it is the family table of the King. Christmas reminds us that faith is not private; it is communal. We discover our identity not just by believing in Jesus, but by walking with His people, carrying one another’s burdens, and sharing in His mission.
The invitation into God’s family carries a calling too. As God’s children, we are shaped by His character. We learn to forgive as we have been forgiven. We serve as we have been served. We become ambassadors of the Kingdom—living signs that God’s love transforms real lives in real communities.
This Christmas, hear the invitation clearly:
You have a place. You are not an outsider. You are welcomed home.
Let the truth sink deep into your heart:
- You are not defined by your failures
- You are not disqualified by your past
- You are not left out because of your doubts
- You are not forgotten in your struggle
The manger declares that God comes close—close enough to touch your wounds, carry your fears, and call you by name.
This Christmas, step into the family of God.
The King has come, and He has prepared a place for you.
Care Meals Team
A home-cooked meal can be such a blessing and an expression of love and care in times of need. We would love to expand our team of people who are willing to prepare meals, either to deliver or bring them to the church freezer for distribution as needed. Does this sound like a way that you could be His presence in the lives of others?
Please use this form to express your interest in being part of our Care Meals Team (or email sue@bcoc.com.au if you have questions). Sue Nicholls.
Help wanted | Share the load in 2026
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve our church and local community who are in need? Do you have a few hours spare on Monday’s to help gather resources for the Food Pantry team? Have you got a car that can tow a trailer?
We are looking for help in collecting food from the Food Bank in Dandenong each Monday during school terms. It usually takes 2-3 hours. This would greatly help share the load between our current volunteers. We will provide all training and ongoing support.
To participate in this role, you will need to register as a BCOC volunteer. If you are not a current volunteer, please click here to complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Please contact Ps Arlo (arlo@bcoc.com.au), Joy McKerihan (0400 062 962) or Lyn Stephens (0414 517 849). We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Food Pantry | Our City Needs Your Help
The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. 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 trolley located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
Let’s Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Payment via cash or card 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
Sunday Service | The Inn-vitation - The table of the King | 9am & 11am
Jesus tells us the Kingdom of God is like a banquet—overflowing, joyful, and open to all. In Luke 14 and Matthew 22, the invitation goes first to the overlooked, the outsider, the ones that no one else notices.
This Christmas, come discover the radical hospitality of God: a feast where there is always room for you.
No one forgotten. No one excluded. Everyone welcomed.
Kids Church | Sunday 14th December 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Baby Jesus is Born | Luke 2:1-7
5 to 12-year-olds | Gabriel Visits Mary | Luke 1:5-66
Prayer & Fellowship Walk
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is taking a break over the holidays and will resume in February.
Please message 0419 277 500 if you’d like to know more.
Christmas Day Services | Thursday 25th December | 9am & 11am
Christmas is the beginning of God’s new creation, the moment His Kingdom breaks into the world with unstoppable hope. Jesus came not merely to inspire us, but to rescue us—because we needed salvation, and because His love is deeper than our brokenness.
Join us and let Christ fill your home with peace, your heart with joy, and your steps with renewed purpose!
Kids Church End of Year Activities | Sunday 14th December 2025 - Sunday 25th January 2026
Sunday 14th Dec | End of Year Kids Church Celebration Day
This is the last week of Kids Church for 2025, and our focus will be on thanking God for the amazing year we have had.
This is a great outreach opportunity for your kids to invite their friends.
We have an Ice Cream Van coming for a special treat, and every child will be given a small gift bag. 🙂
Sunday 14th Dec | Grade 6 Graduations
Grade 6 Graduations will be held in Room 1 at 9:15am and 11:15am, respectively. Grade 6 parents, please check your emails for details.
Sunday 25th January 2026 | Kids Church returns
Kids Church returns with a Summer Fun Day – another great outreach opportunity for family and friends.
Alpha Course Commencing | Tuesday 3rd February 2026
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 an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather 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 video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
- “Who is Jesus?”
- “How can we have faith?”
- “Why and how do I pray?”
- “How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing 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 respectful environment.
The Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 11th February 2026
The Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married couples attend the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, while 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 other’s 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 other’s “love language” and much, much more….
Family Camping Weekend or Day Out | 20 February 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 22 February 2026 @ 12:00 pm
It’s on again! Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
We invite you to join us from Friday February 20th to Sunday February 22nd 2026, for the Family Camping Weekend at Warburton. Our main priority is to strengthen the bonds between your family and others.
We’ll enjoy being surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom as we watch children play, enjoy the fantastic free water park and paddle in the Yarra River. The nearby town has plenty of cafes and a Redwood Forest with walking and cycling trails; a great place for fun photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship (please note that campfires and the water park are not available if a Total Fire Ban is declared)
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is always loads of fun, and even better in a group, but you are welcome to book a cabin if you prefer.
Engage your adventurous spirit, pack a sense of humour, and book a site or cabin for this fantastic weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us! We do advise booking soon if possible as cabins and good sites go quickly!
If the whole weekend isn’t an option for you, you are very welcome to bring food etc and join us on Saturday (provided it is not Total Fire Ban), just let one of the organisers know to expect you, and use the ‘Book Now’ button so we have your details and can keep you updated.
When and where is this all happening?
CAMPING Option:
- Date: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
- Time: Arrive from 2.00 pm Friday, leave by 12.00 pm Sunday, or time of your choosing on Saturday
- Address: Warburton Holiday Park, 30 Woods Point Rd, Warburton, VIC, 3799
DAY Option:
- Date: 21st February
- Time: From 9:00am to 9:00pm or whatever time suits your family
Here’s what to do next!
- Choose your site from the “L”, “F” and “C” sites. You can see where others are camped here, so please add your family to this list after booking.
- Call and book a campsite 5966 2277 or visit the Warburton Holiday Park website to book. A powered site costs $59 per night for two people, plus extra for children (book for Friday and Saturday nights unless you want to stay longer than the rest of us). You can also book a cabin or lodge if that suits you better. Advise the caravan park office or note in the comments section that you are with Berwick Church of Christ. Note that a laptop is easier than a phone when navigating the online booking system.
- Importantly, we need to know that you are coming so we can send communication updates. After booking with Warburton Holiday Park and obtaining a site or cabin number, please REGISTER HERE.
- If you plan to come for the day, please also REGISTER so we can update you and look out for you. We will add campers and day visitors to the WhatsApp chat group for easy communication before and during the weekend.
Shout out if you have any questions
Sue 0403 822 324 or sue@bcoc.com.au
Mikayla 0431 317 332
James 0449 662 512
Amie 0448 762 314
Sarah 0490 016 122
We look forward to seeing you in Warburton whether for the weekend or the day!
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
