Friday 11th November 2022

Today at eleven o'clock we took a moment to remember those who had died in the First World War. This conflict had mobilised over 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead and as many as one third of these with no grave. Our history has brought us to where we are today.

I kept one eye on the US mid-term elections this week. I am thankful to be in Australia. Soon I will have my eyes on the Victorian state elections. Still thankful to be in Australia. One idea that rears its head in election seasons in conversations between Christians, is the concept of “godly governance”.  I am not always 100% sure what people mean when they use that term, but I do know we need leadership that will represent Christ in all spheres of society.

All throughout the bible, the indirect impact of governments, monarchies, patriarchy, and socialism can be seen. There is no perfect human governmental system. Ideally, Christians live in a theocracy – a system where God rules in absolution. In practice, however, we as Christians still work on putting our own bodies under His control:

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, and develops well-formed maturity in you. '

Romans 12:1-2 MSG

It was after we caught up on what was presented as “news” by the major TV channels that one of my children made an interesting comment:

Let’s be aware of who we choose to govern over our lives (God or self) as we prayerfully approach our responsibility to elect who should govern over our state.

Ode of Remembrance | 11/11/2022

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

Happy Birthday | Pastor Michael

Guess who is celebrating a birthday today! Pastor Michael, we hope you enjoyed your surprise birthday cake!

Invite Sunday | This Sunday!

Instead of being overwhelmed, it’s time to overcome! When it comes to mental and emotional health, physical and family wellbeing, many people face an unseen enemy that makes it difficult to thrive in life. Few in the professional realm understand. Discover where the real battle lies and how to get free. Healing and freedom prayer will be available for all who want it.

>>> INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS<<<

Bringing Christmas to life | Buy a tag!

As families across Melbourne come together and celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who are struggling at this time of year.
To this end we are having an event where we invite our Food Pantry clients, pour love on them, and give them the ability to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Join us in by blessing…

• a family with a hamper for $50 and/or
• child with a gift for $30

Bring Christmas to Life by purchasing your gift tags at the Next Steps Desk Sundays between 9.30am and 12.30pm, 446 Centre Road, Berwick.

As part of this event we are looking for a Santa Claus costume and a lady’s elf costume. Let us know asap on [email protected] or 97021011 if you can assist.

FUSE Youth | Friday 11th November

FUSE Youth is Fuse’s Got Talent where you show us your special talents!

7pm start, $5 for the night!

Important details:

• @BCOC
• @7-9.30pm
• $5 for the night!

>>>FUSE YOUTH DETAILS<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 13th November

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | Whatever it takes

David’s anointing/facing Goliath | 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 17:1-51

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | I can thank God for food

Elijah and the Widow | 1 Kings 17:7-16

>>>KIDS CHURCH DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | Overcome!

Instead of being overwhelmed, it’s time to overcome! When it comes to mental and emotional health, physical and family wellbeing, many people face an unseen enemy that makes it difficult to thrive in life. Few in the professional realm understand. Discover where the real battle lies and how to get free. Healing and freedom prayer will be available for all who want it.

We would love to see you at 10am here at Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Come early and enjoy a hot drink at our cafe. If you can't make it, you can catch up on the YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 14th November

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

>>>CHECK OUT BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Mental Health Support Group | Tuesday 15th November

The Mental Health Support Group is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may yourself be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity.

We have two groups:

• one group for people who live with a mental health issue/s; and
• another group for those who are caring for them. 

These support groups are facilitated by Christians who wish to walk alongside people in their journey, loving and caring for them by providing a safe place to be heard and share life's challenges together, offering friendship and hope.  In addition, this support group will provide tools to assist people in dealing with life, with specialist speakers addressing relevant topics.

You are not alone.

The Mental Health Support group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Our first open evening is on Tuesday 15th November so please book now as numbers will be capped.

Details:

• Date: Tuesday 15th November 2022
• Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
• Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Cost: Free

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 20th November

Youth, young adults and young at heart get ready for a time of worship, an inspiring word and enjoy a meal together. Form new friendships with like-minded youth and young adults in a safe, caring, yet challenging environment. You can discover your true value, find your purpose and fulfil your potential. Join us!

Details:

• Date: Sunday 20th November 2022
• Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
• Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

>>>LEARN MORE<<<

Seniors Ministry | Sunday 23rd November

Wear your festive glad rags as we celebrate Christmas together with equal measures of fun and contemplation. Pastor Braam Botha will be our guest speaker. Don't forget to wear something festive and bright and bring a Christmas inspired plate to share!

Details:

• Date: Wednessday 23rd November 2022
• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>LEARN MORE<<<

Young Families Picnic | Sunday 27th November

Come along and join us at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick with your picnic lunch. We are looking forward to seeing all our families with young children connect and get to know new people while enjoying a picnic together.

Details:

• Date: Sunday 27th November 2022
• Time: 12 noon
• Where: 34 Homestead Rd, Berwick VIC 3806
• BYO: Picnic lunch

Baptisms | Sunday 4th December

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.

>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor