Table of Contents
Dynamic Kingdom living…
Wednesday 17th April 2024
The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of dynamism in the life of Christ’s followers, filling us with power, purpose, and passion. As Christ followers, we experience theology in the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Foremost, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith boldly. Acts 1:8 illustrates Jesus’ promise to his disciples:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This empowerment encourages Christ’s followers to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, transcending cultural and geographical barriers to share the message of the Kingdom of God through His son.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit provides divine guidance and wisdom. John 14:26 assures believers of this truth:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Through the Spirit’s guidance, believers gain clarity in discerning God’s will and navigating life’s challenges with wisdom and insight. In a world of relativism, we are constantly bombarded with people proclaiming their “perspectives” as “truth”. This is a very, very dangerous twist on the meaning of truth and will inevitably lead to deep disappointment and disillusionment, as truth should remain accurate irrespective of context.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit in the lives of believers, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This fruitfulness reflects the transformative work of the Spirit, cultivating virtues that align with the character of Christ and bear witness to His love and grace. The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7 emphasises the diversity and purpose of these gifts:
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
These gifts, ranging from prophecy and teaching to healing and administration, serve to build up the church and facilitate its mission in the world.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit brings dynamism to the life of a Christ follower through empowerment, guidance, spiritual fruit, and the distribution of spiritual gifts. Rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, believers find assurance of the Spirit’s transformative presence and power in their lives. As we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live out our faith boldly, guided by divine wisdom and equipped to bear witness to the transformative love of Christ in the world.
Life Groups & Pastoral Care | Loving People
We have a wonderful pastoral care team who love people, serve our city and are ready to support you, or someone you know in need. Reach out and contact the relevant team so you, or someone you know, can get the support they need.
Life Groups – Led by Arlo Van Rhyn, the primary channel of pastoral care in our church and community is through Life Groups and this is why it’s important that every person in our church is part of one. It is much simpler to care for someone as a group than it is as an individual. On top of this, participants fellowship, pray, and learn together. If you are not in a Life Group yet, then I encourage you to join or start one. Just contact Arlo at [email protected].
Care Calls & Visits – Led by Michael Barry, we recognise that sometimes, Life Groups need support to care for their participants. Michael ensures that people who need extra care get supported via a call or a visit from one of his trusted team members. Do you know someone who would benefit from a call or visit? Please reach out to Michael at [email protected].
Care Meals – Led by Sue Nicholls, the team looks after people who would benefit from a freshly prepared meal. This includes families who have unwell members, have recently given birth, or basically going through a rough patch. Do you know someone who would benefit from a care meal? Please reach out to Sue at [email protected].
Encounter Team – Led by Jan Watt, the Encounter Team, intercedes on behalf of people who need extra prayer assistance. Just send them a prayer request on [email protected].
Food Pantry – Led by Michelle Gould, the Food Pantry helps those who need a hand up during a difficult time in their lives. The Food Pantry primarily assists people in the community but the assistance is open to our church as well. Please reach out to [email protected] if you would benefit from free groceries and hygiene products in your time of need.
Living Springs Counselling Centre – Melinda Izvekov oversees the Living Springs Counselling Centre. The centre is staffed by experienced professionals who can provide counselling and psychological assistance. There is a cost to this service and if you would benefit from their assistance then please contact them via the website.
Apart from Living Springs, all these teams would benefit from more volunteers. Please reach out to the relevant team if God is calling you to serve in this way.
People need connection! Opportunities for weekday ministry!
Are you interested in serving in a ministry that’s all about building connection and supporting families from our church and our local area?
Although Playgroup might sound as though it’s all about children, in reality, it is as much about supporting mums and grandmas who come. Some of these adults are lonely and looking for connection; or migrants with no family in Australia. Others have local family but for whatever reason don’t have much support from them.
We are currently seeking some extra child-free helpers in our Playgroup sessions. The main role is to interact with the mums, grandmas and children, with a few minor practical tasks like wiping tables or washing paintbrushes. The commitment is less than two hours on a regular weekday morning during school term. Is this role for you?
Are you interested but know you can’t commit every week because you like to get away during the school term? We’d rather have a helper with us most of the time than not at all, so please talk to me about your situation! Sue Nicholls, email [email protected] or phone 0403 822 324.
FUEL – Empowered in Christ | Sunday 21st April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Join us for a four-part sermon series as we journey through the New Testament to uncover the profound work of the Holy Spirit. From the empowering presence of God in the Gospels to the dynamic agent of mission in Acts, and the transformative role in Paul’s letters, discover how the Holy Spirit empowers and unites believers in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Kids Church | Sunday 21st April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Love like Jesus – the Early Church | Acts 2:42-47; John 15:12; Hebrews 10:24
5 to 12-year-olds | I keep doing what’s wrong! (Golden Calf) | Exodus 32:1-35
Y&Y Service | Sunday 21st April | 5:30 pm
Hey, Youth and Young Adults! Our next Y&Y service is on the 21st of April!!!
Young Adults Leader, Jordan Smith, is coming to share what is on his heart regarding the YA space, so make sure you are there and bring your friends!
Jordan has been a part of the Berwick community for over five years now and is also involved in the youth ministry. Growing up in a family who was heavily involved in missions, has given Jordan a heart for people to come to know Christ and find a home in Him. Jordan is excited about what God has in store for the YA community and is keen to see God move in this service.
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. All youth, young adults and the young at heart are most welcome. SEE YOU THERE!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 21st April | 5:45 pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who regularly meet 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.
Boys Brigade | Monday 22nd April | 6:00 pm
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. Come along and 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
Exploring Partnership | Monday 22nd April | 7:00 pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality. If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 24th April | 1:30 pm
Lorraine Hughes will guide us through a fun afternoon. Come ready to play and win! Let your inner Olympian shine!
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 28th April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings. Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.
Young Families Picnic | Sunday 28th April | 11:00 am
Come along to the Old Cheese Factory with your picnic blanket and lunch and meet us near the playground. We look forward to gathering families with young children together for a chance to relax and get to know each other while watching children play. Please note that this event is weather dependent. If unsure please call Sue Nicholls 0403822324.
Details
- Date: Sunday 28th April 2024
- Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
- Where: Old Cheese Factory (34 Homestead Road Berwick)
- BYO: Picnic rug and lunch for your family
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 30th April | 7:30 pm
Mental Health Support Gatherings cater for people who may benefit from mental health support. This may be personally or to assist a friend, family member or carer. This is a safe place to be heard and to share life’s challenges, make friendships and have hope restored. Remember, you are not alone.
In addition, the Gatherings also provide tools to assist people in dealing with life challenges and, on occasion, have specialist speakers addressing relevant topics. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are held on Tuesdays fortnightly during the School Terms from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. If you’re interested in coming along please click the ‘Book Now’ link below and choose: Special Interest Group: Mental Health Support Gatherings. For more information please contact the Church Office 03 9702 1011. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ.
Writers Group | Saturday 4th May | 9:00 am
Aspiring writers, are you looking for a creative outlet to showcase your writing talents and connect with fellow literary enthusiasts? We are thrilled to invite you to join our Writers Group, where your words will come to life in a community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, or anything in between, we welcome all writing styles and genres. So come join us and ignite your passion for writing! Together, we will inspire each other to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as writers. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of something truly special.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Annual General Meeting | Sunday 5th May | 1:00 pm
This is an annual meeting where we gather with our partners to conclude items of business for the previous year. This meeting can be attended by non-partners (who do not hold voting rights), who have registered their attendance at the church office before the event.
We hold these meetings according to our constitution to
(a) confirm the minutes of the previous annual General Meeting and of any other General Meeting held since the previous annual General Meeting;
(b) to receive from the Board reports (including financial statements) on the activities of BCOC during the previous Financial Year;
(c) to confirm the appointment of Elders or the Senior Minister as required;
(d) to appoint an auditor for the following Financial Year; and
(e) do any other thing required to be done by the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) at an annual General Meeting.
Men's Prayer Group BBQ | Sunday 5th May | 5:00 pm
Prepare for an evening of fellowship, food, and faith at our Men’s Prayer Group BBQ! Join us for an exciting evening of grilling and fellowship with your fellow brothers in Christ. Bring your appetite and a heart ready to connect with God and one another. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your faith and build lasting friendships. See you there! “God inhabits the praises of His people” Psalm 22:3.
State Youth Games | Friday 7th June | 4:30 pm
SYG is a significant event that unites thousands of youth & young adults from across Victoria. We compete against each other in sport, eat (lots), make new friends, build community and get together for night rallies, where we see young people come to Jesus. It’s Epic. Learn more.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
