Table of Contents
Enjoying His Presence
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
As Christ-followers, we can enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit in every place, even when going through a crisis. This week, we will look at how we can access the transformative power of the Spirit in our lives and actively participate in enjoying His presence. By aligning ourselves with Scripture’s perspective and grounding our understanding in His word, we can embark on experiencing the Holy Spirit’s presence in profound ways.
The inauguration of God’s kingdom through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the focal reference to His Kingdom’s coming to earth. Central to this kingdom vision is the role of the Holy Spirit as the agent of renewal and transformation. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to embody the vision and values of God’s kingdom and participate in His redemptive mission on earth.
Scripture provides a rich tapestry of narratives and teachings illuminating the Holy Spirit’s work. In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the Spirit will guide believers into all truth, emphasising the Spirit’s role as a revealer of God’s wisdom and purposes. This guidance lets believers discern God’s will and align their lives with His kingdom agenda. He ushers us into a bigger purpose to live for!
Moreover, the communal aspect of the Spirit’s presence within the body of Christ plays a big role in the establishment of His presence in our lives. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul describes the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good of the church, highlighting the Spirit’s role in fostering unity, diversity, and mutual edification among believers. Through participation in the community of faith, individuals can experience the Holy Spirit’s presence amid worship, fellowship, service and the exercising of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The dynamic nature of the Spirit’s work in the lives of individual believers is also revealed by the Apostle Paul. In Romans 8:11, Paul declares that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within believers, empowering them to experience resurrection life in the present age. This indwelling presence of the Spirit enables believers to
- overcome sin,
- experience spiritual renewal, and
- bear witness to the reality of God’s kingdom in their lives.
By grounding ourselves in Scripture and embracing the Spirit’s role in God’s redemptive mission, we can actively participate in the transformative work of the Spirit and enjoy His presence in ever-deepening ways. As we surrender to the Spirit’s guidance, cultivate community with fellow believers, and embrace the dynamic nature of His work within us, we will encounter the joy, peace, and power that comes from walking in step with the Spirit.
Exciting News from BCOC | Double Services start!
We’re thrilled to announce that double services will commence on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at BCOC. As you maybe aware, due to the size of our growing faith community, we have reached capacity in seating, Kids Church and parking. The double services will enable access for people who are currently experiencing difficulty due to the limitations. The new services will allow you to share your worship experience with people in your sphere of influence. We hope this adjustment helps us continue to serve our community effectively.
We look forward to worshipping with you and embracing this growth together! Join us on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Daylight Saving ends | Sunday 7th April @ 3:00 am
Don’t forget Daylight Saving ends this Sunday, 7th April. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. This is also a good time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. Stay safe, and enjoy the extra hour of sleep. We will see you at our 10:00 am service!
No Kids Church | During school holiday break
Kids Church are on a break over Easter and the school holidays. We resume Sunday 14th April when our double services begin at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. We can’t wait to see you! During the break Kids Church is still available online – jump on the website and check it out.
Sunday Service | Finding God's presence in crisis | 10:00 am
This Sunday we will be exploring the reality of faith under fire. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33. But how do we manage the tension between knowing that God cares and could intervene in our crisis, with the reality of having to walk through it? It raises the question…”Is God present in my crisis”? Come and be encouraged by the testimony that God is faithfully invested in us and present, even in times of trial.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 7th 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.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 10th April | 1:30 pm
We will enjoy an afternoon of marine discovery. Please bring any marine items you may have to display. (Shells, pearls etc).
Guest Speaker - Tom Inglis | Sunday 14th April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Join us for a morning of inspiration and insight as we welcome guest speaker Tom Inglis to speak on Worship. Tom is a renowned expert in the field, and his passion and knowledge are sure to captivate and inspire you all.
Pastor Tom Inglis experienced a remarkable move of God in South Africa as the worship leader in a church that grew from 80 to 10,000. He recorded a live album and DVD – ‘We are One’ with Integrity Music, and has performed concerts in many nations.
He is considered a pioneer in teaching worship as a way of life, and through his ministry of Psalmody International, has developed ‘worship lifestyle’ courses that local churches and bible schools have implemented in over 25 nations. He is the author of the book – ‘The Worshiping You’, a prophetic look at the role of worship in the end time church and his recent book ‘The Ministry of the Psalmist’, a must read for everyone involved in worship ministry in the local church.
Pastor Tom Inglis, together with his wife Barbara, are the founding pastors of Sydney Life Church, and are supported by his four children, who are all in some way serving the Lord. Come along and join us for a powerful and insightful morning!
YA Social | Sunday 14th April | 5:30 pm
Our next YA social is on the 14th April at 5:30 pm at church. We will be playing all kinds of games (including board games), so get ready for a great night! Also, bring $5 for dinner as well! Invites your mates and we will see you there.
Boys Brigade | Monday 15th 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
Baptism Class | Monday 15th April | 7:00 pm
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. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to find out more.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Commencing Tuesday 16th April | 7:00 pm
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
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 16th 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.
Alpha 8 Week Marriage Course | Commencing Wednesday 17th April | 7:00 pm
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….
Alpha Course | Commencing Wednesday 17th April | 7:00 pm
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.
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. SEE YOU THERE!
Growing To Maturity (GTM 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 23rd April | 7:00 pm
GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed GTM 1.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Growing To Maturity (GTM 3) Course | Commencing Tuesday 23rd April | 7:00 pm
GTM 3 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience. GTM 3 includes a powerful weekend retreat with God! Please note, GTM 3 is only available for participants who have completed GTM 1 & GTM 2.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
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.
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
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!
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
