Table of Contents
Creation Points Beyond Itself
Wednesday 18th February 2026
The Bible consistently affirms that the created world matters. The heavens declare the glory of God; the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Creation is not disposable, nor is it spiritually irrelevant. The biblical story is not about escaping the world but about God’s intention to renew it. Creation points beyond itself—like a signpost—to the Creator whose wisdom, power, and beauty it reflects.
Yet Scripture is equally clear about what creation is not. The natural world is not divine. It is not self-generating, self-sustaining, or worthy of worship in its own right. To marvel at the beauty and order of the universe while denying a personal Creator is like praising a book while insisting there is no author. Creation is meaningful precisely because it is created.
In recent years, modern culture’s renewed concern for the environment has often been accompanied by a spiritual drift. Legitimate care for the earth can quietly morph into spiritualised nature—where forests, energies, seasons, or elemental forces are treated as sacred in themselves. Movements such as Wicca or strands of New Age spirituality collapse the distinction between Creator and creation. What the Bible insists on clearly delineating, these worldviews merge together.
The result is not deeper reverence, but misplaced worship.
Christian faith offers a more profound vision. The natural world is neither meaningless nor ultimate. It is a gift—charged with purpose, ordered by wisdom, and sustained by God’s ongoing care. The Bible critiques both exploitation of creation and its deification. We are called to steward the world faithfully under God; not to dominate the world ruthlessly or bow before it spiritually.
This distinction becomes unmistakably clear when we turn to Jesus.
In the Gospels, Jesus does not merely read the signs of nature or align Himself with its rhythms. He commands it. He stills storms with a word, rebukes wind and waves, and reveals an authority that belongs not to a prophet interpreting nature, but to the Creator governing it. Jesus does not predict the weather; He controls it.
This matters deeply for our faith. It tells us that the One who walked on water is not a spirit emerging from nature, but the Lord who reigns over it. The calming of the storm is not nature cooperating with Jesus—it is creation recognising its King.
To worship Jesus, then, is not to turn away from the world, but to see it rightly. Creation is precious yet not divine. powerful yet not ultimate, beautiful yet not sovereign. It points us—always and decisively—to Christ, through whom all things were made, and in whom all things hold together.
Let’s fulfil our role by being His Presence in every part of this creation:
‘For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it in hope. For the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ‘
Romans 8:19-21 NIV
Invitation for Eldership Nominations – Due 9 March 2026
As Partners of Berwick Church of Christ, we share in the responsibility of discerning spiritual leadership for our congregation. In accordance with our Constitution, the Board has determined the process for receiving nominations for Eldership (Rule 11.1)
We now invite Partners to prayerfully nominate individuals whom you believe demonstrate the biblical qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–10 and Titus 1:5–9.
Constitutional Process
Under Rule 11 of the Constitution:
- The Board determines the nomination process and considers all nominations (Rule 11.1–11.2).
- The Board will prayerfully assess eligibility according to Scriptural qualifications and other relevant matters (Rule 10; Rule 11.2).
- If the Board affirms a nomination, appointment of a Partner as an Elder requires:
o A two-thirds majority vote of the Board, and
o Confirmation by a two-thirds majority vote of Partners at a General Meeting by secret ballot (Rule 11.3(a).
This careful and prayerful process ensures both spiritual discernment and constitutional integrity.
Before You Nominate
Please ensure that:
- You have personally spoken with the nominee.
- They are willing to be nominated.
- You have prayerfully discussed the “Eldership Nomination Form” with the nominee.
- Submit the form via the link below and the completed form will be sent to elders@bcoc.com.au.
The Elders Nomination – Affirmation Form has been designed to assist Partners in reflecting on the biblical and pastoral nature of elders.
Submission Deadline
All nominations must be submitted no later than:
Monday, 9 March 2026
Click here to submit the form.
Eldership is not a positional honour, but a sacred calling of shepherding, spiritual oversight, and servant-hearted leadership under Christ, the Chief Shepherd. We encourage you to approach this season with prayer, humility, and attentiveness to the Spirit’s leading.
Grace and peace,
Braam
On behalf of the Board of Elders
Sunday Services | 22nd February 2026 | 9am & 11am
Come along and experience our powerful new series called Encounter.
For centuries, lives have been transformed by a single encounter with Jesus, from Nicodemus in secrecy, to Levi at the tax table, to the woman at the well, and countless men and women ever since. Those who truly encounter Jesus experience remarkable, radical and enduring change.
In this series, we’ll step into these unforgettable Gospel moments and discover how an encounter with Jesus transforms our deepest longings, confronts our hardest questions, and ignites unshakeable hope. We’ll see the beauty, goodness, and truth of who Jesus is, and how His life and teachings continue to bring real, lasting transformation today.
As we connect through Scripture, we will be inspired to share with others what God is doing in our own story and to carry His presence into every place we go.
Over seven weeks, we’ll journey through these powerful encounters together during the 9:00am and 11:00am services.
Come expectant.
Come ready.
Come and encounter Jesus.
Kids Church | Sunday 22nd February 2026 | 9am & 11am
This week Kids Church:
2 to 4-year-olds | Jesus forgives a woman, and He forgives me | John 8
5 to 12-year-olds | Jesus heals the woman and Jairus’ daughter | Mark 5:21-43
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 22nd February 2026 | 5.30pm
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.
Boys Brigade | Monday 23rd February 2026 | From 6:00pm
Be part of the action! 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
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 24th February | 6:30am
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is around the church property and is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer.
We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us. If you haven’t joined us before please message 0419 277 500 by 8.00pm on Monday evening so we can keep you updated of any changes to the plans.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 25th February 2026 | 1:00pm
Safari with Glenda & Brett Hutchinson
You’re warmly invited to join our Seniors Ministry for a special armchair adventure through Africa! Glenda and Brett Hutchinson will take you on an unforgettable safari journey, sharing stunning visuals, stories, and moments from their travels across this incredible continent. From breathtaking landscapes to fascinating wildlife, this will be an engaging and joy-filled afternoon of discovery, laughter, and connection.
Come along, bring a friend, and enjoy great company as we travel together, no passport required!
Women’s Gatherings | 20th – 29th March 2026
Something special is happening and you’re invited!
Between 20th – 29th March, women from BCOC are gathering in various small groups to:
- Build meaningful connections
- Grow together in our discipleship journey
- Enjoy genuine community in a warm, relaxed setting
- Have lots of fun and meet new people
Spots are limited, so click Book Now to register for one gathering that suits your availability and interests.
Whether you’re new to the church or already well connected, there’s a place for you. You’re also very welcome to invite a friend or neighbour to register with you.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
