Deep and wide Transformation

Deep and wide Transformation

Friday 1st April 2022

Transformation is a process that shifts paradigms so that we can see what we have not seen before, which allows us to do what we have not done yet. And for this, we must be open to change. I am not talking about altering any of the anchoring tenets of our faith such as the deity of Christ, the essence of the Atonement, the character of God, the infallibility of the Scriptures, or the centrality of the Church as the Body of Christ. Those are immutable, and as such they can never change. When it comes to the scope of the Atonement and the role of the Church as God’s transformational agent on earth, however, what are we missing that prevents us from seeing the will of God be done on earth? My own journey in this regard, along with that of Sonja and our children, has been inspired and framed by the principle found in scripture:

 “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”

 Prov 4:18 NIV

Early in our ministry we were part of a lovely, vibrant and numerically exploding church. We would regularly assess the effectivity of the church in its congregational expressions:

  • Deepening faith in our members
  • Lively love expressed in worship
  • Regular baptisms
  • A healthy presence of the gifts of the Spirit in our services
  • Life-groups that regularly multiply leaders
  • Growth in resources
  • Favour in the religious fraternity of the city

Ask any pastor if they want to be part of that, and they would willingly oblige! God had however a brighter light to shine for our church…and it came out of heartache:

One Sunday, while we were engulfed in deep worship, the owner of the property next to the church suddenly passed away in a freak accident at home in front of his very young family. You can imagine the contrast: Us coming out of the bliss of a worship celebration, and as we exit our building being confronted with the hysterical desperation of a young mom crying for help as she tried to save her husband’s life. What happened next was shocking. I saw how many Holy Spirit filled believers responded to the chilling call of a young mother in desperate need:

  • Some acted as if they did not hear anything and made a beeline for their vehicles
  • Some shook their heads in horror and glanced at fellow believers wondering how to respond
  • Some shook their heads as if to say “She’d be all right…”
  • One even made a comment that someone that acts that “in that theatrical is acting up!”
  • A Paramedic in our church jumped the wall and applied all of his knowledge – to no avail.

The event shocked me as I wrestled with this question:

How is it that we can have a taste of heaven in church >>>

while at that very same instance our neighbours are experiencing hell on earth? >>>

Up to that day…as long as our faith community is happy…we were happy! This experience made me walk with a troubled soul. We as a congregation sent food, arranged a funeral, counselled, loved, supported and did all we could to help the family after the tragedy. Nevertheless, I walked with a troubled soul…for months!

The answer to my question came as a surprise. I was at a church leadership seminar, carrying in my heart the burden: How is it that we can have a taste of heaven in church, while our neighbours are experiencing hell on earth? My mind would regularly wonder off into the abyss presented by that dilemma.  A flash of light hit my spirit when I heard the following phrase:

"The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit >>>

of those who are not its members." William Temple >>>

I chew on that to this day! Christ came to serve. He came to seek and save that which is lost. These days…He is still the head of that mission to save, but His vehicle is his body. A body of people that act as Christ’s servants…in a city in desperate need of being served with faith, hope and love!

We have identified four areas that need the transformative power of the gospel:

  • Marriage and family
  • Mental health
  • Migrants
  • Minors

Let’s live with eyes wide open and be aware of the opportunity to partner with other faith communities to serve the whole of our city, and not just those who are part of us!

Go…and be His presence in every place!

Fuse Youth | Camp highlights

Last Friday Fuse Youth went down to CYC The Island for a weekend of fun, games, spiritual growth and worship! We had an incredible time exploring our theme ‘This Is The Day’, building connections, witnessing God encounters and having a whole lot of fun. Here is a video full of some highlights from our weekend away!

Connect lounge | Busy day

Romans 15:7 ESV

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

busy yet delightful weekend in the Connect Lounge. A number of new families and individuals were in there connecting with others. Jesus loved and welcomed people which is why loving and welcoming are very important values to us as a church. The next time you meet or sit next to someone you don't know at church, say hi to them and welcome them. Do you know everyone around your preferred seating location? Maybe it's time to move to a different seating location. Invite them for a catch-up over a coffee or meal. Invite and accompany them into the Connect Lounge where we have amazing people wanting to get to know them, answer their questions and serve them a nice cup of tea or coffee.  God uses people like you to welcome others so welcome others with love, just as Christ welcomed you. 

Partners Gathering | Great fellowship!

It was an awesome time catching up with the church family at the Partners' Gathering. There were a significant number of partners, people exploring partnership and others who are just keen to understand where the movement is heading. Pastor Monya kicked us off with a great time of worship, I spoke about the role of Elders, the process of becoming an Elder and the vision for Term 2, 2022.  The chairperson of the Board, Glenda Hutchinson, spoke to the role of partners and reiterated the need to rebrand. Matt Ormiston led us through a time of Q&A and Arlo Van Rhyn led a time of dedication and commissioning for the staff. The night ended with food and fellowship where most stayed till after 8pm catching up with church family. The atmosphere was pleasant and you can feel God stirring the hearts of men and women for what the future…God holds for our movement. The next Partners' Gathering will be on Sunday, 1st May. Hope to see you there!

Website | Menu update

Our website is easier to use than ever! A new drop down link called MORE makes it even easier to search for information. You will find Next Steps, Listen, Church Community, Blog, Contact, Prayer and Giving under the drop down menu. If you are having trouble, please contact office and we can step you through it.

Volunteers | Urgently needed

Our Sunday gatherings operate because of our valuable volunteers who use their gifts and talents to bless us all! If you 'Follow Christ' and 'Love People', and have a few spare hours a month, you could 'Serve Your City'. Volunteers transform lives and 'Grow Faith Communities'. Volunteering matters. 'Be His presence in every place'.

We are calling for Welcome team, Newcomers, Kids Church leaders, musicians, Communion team and cafe volunteers.

The Kids Church areas of greatest need are: 

  • Sign in team – 1 adult 
  • Wonderkids Room – 2 adults
  • Prep-Year 2 Room – 1 adult
  • Year 3-6 Room – 1 adult

For next term we are looking for adult volunteers to run the Little Sparks Room (18mths – 2 year olds). All must be double vaccinated and have or will apply for a Working with Kids Check.

Visit our website to fill out the Volunteer application form' and release your gifts and talents!

You can also email our leaders directly and ask any questions.

Daylight savings | Set your clock!

Remember to turn back your clocks one hour before you go to bed Saturday night so you don't miss out on our 10am gathering!

Fuse Youth | Friday 1st April

This week at Fuse Youth is April Fools! Or is it? No it really is! Come along ready for a night of pranks, fun, loads of laughing & good food.

Details:

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

Kids Church | Sunday 3rd April

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 2 | Lazarus Raised

Whatever happens, remember how powerful God is | John 11: 1-45

WONDERKIDS | Our friend Jesus is always with us

Walking on the Water | Matthew 14:22-23

Sunday Service | New Wine

God is always doing a new thing in our lives. The thing is, we can’t experience them fully and benefit from them the way we are intended to if we aren’t ready for them. In fact, we will even suffer from these new things if we aren’t ready for them. The Lord Jesus said that old wineskins will burst when new wine is poured on them. This means that old mindsets, even if based on Godly principles, still won’t be able to handle new and creative ideas fresh out of a revelation from God’s word. This is what happened to the Pharisees.  What is this new wine? How can we prepare ourselves for God’s new wine? This Sunday we will address these important questions, so we can be prepared for what God wants to send.

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 4th April

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 13th April

Our Seniors Ministry will spend time together in worship and contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice. Pastor Braam will bring an Easter message and we will also share in Communion together.

Details:

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

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor


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