Compassion Fatigue
Wednesday 13th December 2023
I remember the day when one of the congregants in a church where I pastored made an appointment with me. He was an astute Christian Psychologist and specialized in “paedo-psychology.” I watched in shock as this reputed individual started to unpack how he lost all sense of compassion for his clients and was even becoming resentful towards them. If I would be honest, I have to admit that this caught me completely off guard. This beacon of love and support suffered from severe “compassion fatigue” – a thing I never knew existed!
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve others with compassion. However, the weight of continual giving and empathising can lead to a condition known as compassion fatigue, where we feel emotionally drained and unable to extend care effectively. Research indicates that this condition presents itself more intensely over Christmas – especially in marriages, families, and other established relational structures. Yet, as Christians, we are not left without guidance on how to navigate this challenge.
Scripture reminds us in Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
This verse serves as a beacon of hope, emphasising perseverance and the promise of a rewarding outcome for our faithful service. However, to effectively overcome compassion fatigue, several biblical principles can guide us:
1. Self-Care: Jesus took time for solitude and prayer (Mark 1:35). We must prioritise self-care, nurturing our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This includes setting boundaries and seeking rest when needed.
2. Community Support: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us of the strength found in the community:
“Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow."
Connecting with fellow believers provides mutual support, encouragement, and accountability in times of weariness.
3. God's Strength in Weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9 reassures us:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Acknowledging our limitations and leaning on God's strength helps us to persevere through challenges.
4. Renewal through God's Word: Psalm 119:105 declares,
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture renews our minds, refreshes our spirits, and offers guidance for navigating difficult seasons.
5. Prayer and Surrender: Philippians 4:6 encourages us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Surrendering our burdens to God through prayer brings peace and rejuvenation.
Remember, our efforts in serving others should stem from a heart aligned with God's love and grace. By implementing these principles, we can effectively combat compassion fatigue and continue to fulfil our call to love and serve others during this Christmas season.
Bringing Christmas to Life 2023 – Thank you!
I want to give a big thank you for being part of Bringing Christmas to Life and being His presence in every place.
We have touched the hearts and lives of 102 people and 34 families through the hampers, the gifts, and the time spent serving, praying, inviting, eating, listening, and just pouring Love over them.
How do I know that lives have been impacted? Because when asked, “What has being here today meant to you?" I have received feedback like…
I am so grateful for being invited; it has been an emotional experience as the genuine kindness and warmth are definitely what my children and I need to help heal.
And I have received more feedback similar to this. I am so proud of our church (that's you!), and I pray that this experience will continue transforming you and others around you into His likeness. Thank you so much!
Your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman pastor, Ps M
Our Church in the News
The TV news report indicated that the church will close if we have to pay the tax bill. I want to assure you that the church will not close. However, paying the tax bill will have an adverse impact on what we currently do at the church and in the community. I remind you that the gates of Hades will not prevail against Christ's church (Matthew 16:18). The leadership is committed to stewarding the church, its finances, and its future; thus, we are challenging this Land Tax bill at VCAT.
We encourage you to pray for a favourable ruling that will allow us to keep being God's presence in every place. Thank you.
Kids Church End-Of-Year Celebrations | Thank You
It's been a great year in Kids Church! We have been celebrating all the wonderful ways God has blessed us. We concluded 2023 with our Grade 6 Graduations, followed by Guest Entertainer Captain Eric from CHIPS, who gave us a great show and spoke about how special we all are to God. On behalf of the Kids Ministry Team, I would like to thank you for all your prayers and support this year. We look forward to next year with great excitement and expectation for what God has in store! Blessings, Glennie (Kids Ministry Director).
Food Pantry | Our city needs your help!
This year, the Food Pantry has supported 96 families (231 visits) who required crisis support. 96 families! Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours. Families who are doing it tough.
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 9 am-5 pm or Sundays 9 am-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. 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
Sunday Service | Compassion Sunday | 17th December | 10 am
In a time marked by challenges, hardships, and uncertainties, compassion becomes even more significant than ever. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, Ps Michael will remind us of what the Bible says about compassion and how to live it out. Join us this Sunday at 10 am for Compassion Sunday.
Kids Church | ONLINE ONLY | Sunday 17th December | 10 am
Kids Church is online this week because our wonderful volunteers are on holiday. We hope you have a lovely Christmas with your family and friends and enjoy our online program.
2 to 4-year-olds | The shepherds run to Jesus| Luke 2:8-21
5 to 12-year-olds | Repeat the sounding joy: Jesus Is Born | Luke 2:1-7
YA Social | Sunday 17th December | 5.30 pm
HEY YOUNG AD’S, WE’RE GOING LAWN BOWLING!!! You are invited to our FINAL social of 2023! We are going to Berwick Bowling Club for some lawn bowls and dinner. The cost is $20, which includes bowls plus dinner. We can't wait to see you there!
Key Details:
- Date: 17th December 2023
- Location: Berwick Bowling Club, Edwin Flack Reserve, Berwick 3806
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Cost: $20
- What to wear: Your best bowls attire!
All YA invited (including VCE). Drinks are not included but there is a cafe where you can buy drinks. Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 17th December | 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.
No Services | Monday 25th & Sunday 31st December
Unfortunately, services won’t be on Christmas Day and Sunday 31st December. We want to thank our volunteers who have served at Berwick Church of Christ and hope you have a wonderful holiday break with your family and friends. Please take this opportunity to catch up on some of the fantastic messages you missed throughout the year. Watch on our ‘YouTube Channel’ here.
Young Families Picnic | 14th January 2024
January can feel long, especially after the Christmas and New Year rush ends!
Pop the Young Families Picnic in your diary for some fun and connection. We are meeting near the playground at the Old Cheese Factory on January 14 at noon. Bring a rug and your lunch (or grab some takeaway) for a lovely chance to socialise with other families and maybe make some mid-week catch-up plans while you're there!!
Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton Holiday Park | 23rd-25th February 2024
Yes, it's on again in 2024! This year about 60 people had an amazing time together at our first-ever Young Families Camping Weekend.
We are so looking forward to our next Young Families Camp in 2024. This is an awesome opportunity to invite camping friends who don't attend church and give them a chance to connect with other Christian young families in a relaxed environment.
Please check out next year's event by clicking on the link below and booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a campsite.
>>>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<<<
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
