The social media giant Facebook is in the process of rebranding themselves as Meta. In reality it is more a repositioning in order to lure their current support base into greater involvement. I was watching a documentary on the so called “Metaverse” they are creating. In short: The metaverse refers to both current and future integrated digital platforms focused on virtual and augmented reality. It is widely hyped as the internet’s next frontier and seen as a significant business and financial opportunity for the tech industry and other sectors.

In the vision for the metaverse articulated by social media and technology companies, devices like virtual reality headsets, digital glasses, smartphones, and other devices will allow users access to 3-D virtual or augmented reality environments where they can work, connect with friends, conduct business, visit remote locations, and access educational opportunities, all in an environment mediated by technology in new and immersive ways. The lines between reality and virtuality is getting more and more blurred by the day. Worlds interact and sometimes even collides with one another.

As Christians we are aware that there is a very real spiritual world that is referenced to in scripture as an environment that influences and interacts with the physical environment:

'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. '

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

In a world that presents various perspectives on various realities  your sense of identity is crucial for survival. Identity is imperative for overcoming the pressure of expectations from various environments to conform. There is a very good reason for this:

Every bit of information you are confronted with gets subconsciously interpreted through the lens of your identity. Herein lies our strengths as Christians…Christ-ians! Our identity is predominantly found in Christ. Not in our sexuality, financial ability, popularity or even life experience as much as in Christ. This amazing truth reveals the immense authority and strength we carry as the Spirit of Christ lives in us. So, what do you do when you carry this awareness of the creator of the universe being with you? You use that power and authority to the best of your ability to serve those around you. Listen to what Paul states in the book of Philippians:

'In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. '

Philippians 2:5-7 NIV

Christ sets the example for us…and we gladly follow! No matter what reality you find yourself in…you can bring transformation by serving as Christ did. When we consider options for a possible name for our movement we as board felt we want a name that is able to describe exactly what we stand for and how we posture ourselves in this world – so that even someone who simply drives past our facilities would be able to understand what we’re about.

Let’s keep praying for this process!

Life Group | Hosts

The Life Group Hosts spent some time with Pastor Michael where he spoke about the Life Group strategy to “RIB it in 2022!". RIB stands for Raising leaders, Inviting people to FPL with (that's Fellowship, Pray and Learn) and BLESSing your neighbour. BLESS is an acronym for a strategy to reach out to the community by

• Beginning with Prayer,
• Listening to them,
• Eating with them,
• Serving them, and
• Sharing your story of faith with them.

And we don't want you to miss out on this. Click here to join a small group or click here to host one!

We are so looking forward to what God has in store for us as a church as we gather and scatter in small groups!

Fuse Youth highlights | Splash All In

What an incredible start to FUSE Youth we had last Friday! After years of having to cancel, SPLASH: ALL IN finally happened! We had a giant water slide, mud pit, obstacle course and a truck load of rain and wow, what a night it was. Check out this video of highlights from a truly hectic night.

Vision Sunday highlights | What a celebration!

If you missed Vision Sunday last Sunday, it was about being the light in the darkness. We had a huge celebration after the service with a free sausage sizzle. If you missed our fantastic vision message, you can watch here.

Forge Young Adults | Off to camp

Our young adults are off to camp at Bonnie Doon today. There is a huge weekend of fun planned with water sports, hiking and a fantastic Y&Y Service Saturday evening. Please pray for our young adults as they are away igniting their passion for Christ.

Fuse Youth | Friday 4th February

This Friday at Fuse Youth, is 'Hang Time' and we will be hanging out, getting competitive with some all in games and of course eating food!

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• 7-9.30pm
• $5
• Please bring a mask
• @BCOC

Kids Church | Jesus’ mission statement

This week at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 6 | Jesus’ Mission Statement

We are reflecting God’s loving compassion when we care for others | Luke 4:14-24, 28-30

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus loves everyone

Banquet Parable | Matthew 22:8-10

Sunday Service | Missional Individual

Get ready for our fantastic 5 week new series! You will learn how a missional individual died with Christ, was raised with Christ, seated with Christ and sent in the name of Christ. We will be delving into our 4M's. Marriage and Families, Migrants, Minors and Mental Health. Come along this Sunday at 10am and enjoy our cafe as we meet together as Christ's family. You can also catch our live stream at 10am on YouTube and Facebook.

New Partners Class | This Sunday

Many of you call Berwick Church of Christ home and becoming a 'partner' is the next step. Come along to the 'New Partners Class' and hear how you can become a 'partner'.

Partners must be 16 years or older. Lunch will be provided (Subway). A gluten-free option will be available. Book now.

Playgroup | Helpers needed

Our wonderful Playgroup team has been busily preparing our room, the crafts and activities for the children and our hearts ready to greet all of our Playgroup families next week.

We are starting a new group for mums with young babies in addition to the five groups we were already running.  If you love spending time with mums and little children, or if you have young children or grandchildren yourself I would be thrilled to hear from you. There are so many in our wider community wanting to join playgroup and we’d love to expand our program! Please pray for us!

Contact Sue Nicholls 0403 822 324, email [email protected] or visit our website.

Boys Brigade | Starts Monday

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.

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

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 9th February

Seniors Ministry run a group called the ‘Friendship Group’ which celebrate coming together to stay connected in our community.

The Friendship Group are starting back Wednesday with a Welcome 2022 Party!

After the year that was 2021, let’s get together and have fun together. We hope to welcome some new members, and Larry Edwards will bring us a message to inspire us for the year ahead.

GTM 1 | Starts Tuesday 8th February

The Intro session is an opportunity for anyone to come find out about this life changing Discipleship Course. The course itself begins the following Tuesday with a meal at 7pm at Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.

GTM 2 | Starts Wednesday 9th February

GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed the first unit. There may be options for some to join online if participating in person is not possible. Venue: Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.

Guest speaker Mark Conner | Sunday 13th February

On Sunday, 13 February, we are privileged to have Mark Conner sharing the word with us. Most of you would know Mark from his time as the senior pastor at Citylife church where he was on staff for 32 years. He is now investing his time and energy into speaking, training, writing, consulting, and coaching others toward greater effectiveness. He is a friend to us at Berwick Church of Christ given our relationship with Citylife in Casey. So come and hear what he has to say about Marriage and Family.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor