Table of Contents
Embracing the Spiritual Seasons of Life
Wednesday 9th April 2025
Nature teaches us something profound if we’re willing to pay attention. Just as the earth moves through predictable rhythms—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—our souls experience seasons too. These spiritual seasons aren’t always linear but reflect God’s more profound work in and around us. Recognising them can lead us to greater spiritual health, peace, and trust.
John Mark Comer often speaks of living in rhythm with God, rather than resisting life’s natural ebbs and flows. He warns that our culture’s obsession with perpetual productivity usually leaves us disconnected from how God designed us to live. “We want constant spring and summer,” he writes, “but God often meets us most deeply in winter.” Comer reminds us that the soul—like the soil—needs rest, pruning, and hidden growth.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we’re told,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Solomon describes times of weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, tearing down and building up. Our spiritual lives are no different. Recognising the season we are in is essential for spiritual wisdom.
Spring may represent renewal—fresh starts, new faith, or unexpected breakthroughs. This can be seen as a “foretaste of new creation.” Because of the resurrection of Jesus, God is already at work renewing all things (Revelation 21:5). In spring, we sense God’s nearness and the blooming of hope. It is a season of sowing seeds in faith (Galatians 6:9).
Summer is a season of growth and fruitfulness. It’s when spiritual disciplines bear visible fruit, and we feel alive in God’s presence. As Psalm 1 describes, we become
“like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”
But summer is not just about productivity—it’s also a season to enjoy God, rest in His goodness, and share life in the community.
Autumn is a time of change, pruning, and letting go. Leaves fall, days shorten, and we are reminded that not everything is meant to last forever. Seasons like autumn teach us to hold things lightly and trust in resurrection life even as things fade. Jesus speaks of this in John 12:24: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.” Autumn invites us into surrender.
And then there’s winter—the quiet, hidden season. It can feel barren, lonely, even confusing. Yet, winter is not wasted. It’s often where the deepest formation happens—beneath the surface. Romans 5:3–4 reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. Winter teaches us to wait, trust, and cling to God who is at work even when we can’t see it.
In what “season” is your spiritual life?
Prayer: Lord, help us to live in step with Your seasons. Teach us to welcome spring’s renewal, summer’s fruitfulness, autumn’s surrender, and winter’s hidden work. Form our hearts through every season so we may become more like Christ. Amen.
Care Visits Team
Our Life Groups at Berwick Church of Christ are the main avenues of support, love and care for our church community. But not everyone is in a Life Group yet – and sometimes people have needs beyond their Life Group’s capacity. This is where our Care Visits Team step in to assist. We would love to expand this wonderful team, so if you feel that you have the skills, gifts, and capacity to visit people and offer care, please use the Care Visit Team form or contact Sue Nicholls (suen@bcoc.com.au) to find out more.
Food Pantry | Our Local Community Needs Your Help
Many families in our local community continue to experience financial hardship and our Food Pantry Ministry offers a helping hand to those in need. It is also an avenue for connection and care but we need your help.
Please support the Food Pantry by purchasing an item or two from our shopping list. You can drop off the supplies in the Food Pantry trolly in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
You can give a cash donation at The Desk on Sundays or at the church office during the week. You can also make a direct debit donation.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Thank you for caring.
Sunday Service | Sunday 13th April 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
A Message of Healing, Freedom & Wholeness
This Sunday, Pastor Ken Rayment returns with a timely word from the story of the ten lepers — all were cleansed, but only one came back to Jesus and was made truly whole.
Could it be we’ve settled for being cleansed or forgiven — but missed the deeper healing and wholeness God longs to give us?
Through teaching and real-life stories of miracles, deliverance, and freedom, Ken will call us to pursue more than just cleansing. This message ends with an opportunity to respond.
Don’t settle for less… Come expecting transformation.
Kids Church | Sunday 13th April 2025 | ONLINE ONLY
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | We can celebrate Jesus (Palm Sunday) | Matt 21: 1-11, John 12: 12-15
5 to 12-year-olds | When love comes to town (Palm Sunday) | John 12:12-16
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 13th April | 5:45 pm
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.
Y&Y Service | Sunday 13th April 2025 | 5:30pm
This service will be run by the Forge Young Adults, who will warmly welcome Peter Botross to share the word. Peter has a heart to equip young adults in Australia to reverse the decline of YA Christians. This vision brought Peter and his wife to found Gen J. Gen J dreams to see young adults equipped to live like Jesus in the world, multiply Jesus-like disciples and transform their community by the power of the Spirit.
Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship. NB: This service is open to EVERYONE, youth, young adults and the young at heart.
Alpha Course Commencing | Wednesday 16th April 2025 | 7:00pm
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha. All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
- “Who is Jesus?”
- “How can we have faith?”
- “Why and how do I pray?”
- “How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything, and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and respectful environment.
Good Friday & Easter Sunday Services | Friday 18th and Sunday 20th April 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Join us for a powerful Easter Celebration! Invite your family, friends and neighbours to come and experience the life-changing love and power of Jesus Christ!
Good Friday, April 18 – Jesus: King of Love
Join us as we hear incredible testimonies of salvation and transformed lives. We will be reflecting on the deep love of Jesus and the victory of the cross through communion and worship.
Easter Sunday, April 20 – Jesus: King of Power
Celebrate Christ’s resurrection with us through witnessing baptisms and hearing powerful stories of lives transformed. Join us as we rejoice in the power of Jesus, who raises us to new life.
Come expectant. Come ready to celebrate. Come and encounter the King!
Please note: There is no onsite Kids Church but you can check out our online program HERE.
NB: On Easter Sunday, there will be special Easter Gift Bags for all the kids! Please collect them in the foyer before the services. We have vegan options available.
Baptism Classes | Tuesday 22nd April 2025 | 7:00pm
Baptism is complete water immersion 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. Book now if you want to find out more.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 23rd April 2025 | 1:30pm
The stage is set for a great afternoon! Lollies, popcorn, and a super movie! This is a great opportunity to introduce a friend to The Friendship Group. Cost $2.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
GTM 1 Course Commencing | Tuesday 29th April 2025 | 7:00pm
Growing To Maturity course (GTM1)
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha”. It is the perfect next step for those who:
- Are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
- Want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
- Desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant workbooks
- DVD’s
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Alpha Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 30th April 2025 | 7:00pm
The 8 week Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married couples attend the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
The 8 week Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all married couples with or without a church background. The course will help you to:
- Understand each others needs
- Communicate more effectively
- Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict
- Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other
- Recognise how your upbringing affects your relationship
- Improve relationships with parents and in-laws
- Develop greater sexual intimacy
- Discover each others “love language” and much, much more….
Working Bee | Save the date! | Saturday 24th May 2025
Join us for our next Working Bee as we get our hands dirty and roll up our sleeves to improve the beautiful property we have been blessed with. Prepare for an exciting day of hands-on fun and teamwork.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time volunteer, there’s a place for everyone! Bring your enthusiasm and maybe a friend or two! Stay tuned for more details – a signup sheet is coming soon. Many thanks in advance, we greatly appreciate your support.
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
