Table of Contents
Experiencing His presence in every place
Wednesday 20th November 2024
For followers of Christ, experiencing God’s presence isn’t reserved for rare or sacred moments; it’s a continuous, transformative way of life. Practising God’s presence means living with the awareness that God is always near, actively engaging with us daily. This constant awareness empowers us to walk in faith, peace, and purpose, reflecting God’s love to the world around us.
The Psalms remind us of God’s close presence, with Psalm 139:7-10 declaring,
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
This passage reassures us that God’s presence isn’t dependent on our location or circumstances. God is always near, whether we feel it or not, and He invites us to cultivate an awareness of Him in every situation.
Jesus models this way of life, consistently seeking communion with the Father. In John 15:4-5, He teaches,
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Here, Jesus invites us to an abiding life, illustrating that our spiritual fruitfulness flows directly from an unbroken connection with Him. Practising God’s presence isn’t about adding more religious activities but recognizing and inviting God into every aspect of our lives.
Paul also speaks to this in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Practicing God’s presence involves a continual posture of prayer, gratitude, and joy—recognising God’s hand in every moment. This shifts our focus from worldly distractions to God’s constant work within and around us.
This practice transforms our perspective and aligns us with God’s heart. As we draw near to God daily, we become more aware of His guidance, comfort, and wisdom. This intimacy strengthens our faith and enables us to live with purpose and resilience.
Practising God’s presence is a counter-cultural choice in a world full of distractions. As we remain rooted in His presence, we reflect His light to those around us, inviting others to deeper awareness of God’s love. Through this daily practice, we fulfil our calling to live as true ambassadors of God’s kingdom, fully alive in His presence.
Partners & Volunteers Gathering | Save the date! | Sunday 2nd February 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are sorry to let you know that the Partners Gathering scheduled for Sunday, 1st December, has been postponed. The event will now take place on Sunday 2nd, February 2025, as we gather for a special Celebration and Vision Casting specifically for our partners and volunteers at BCOC. While the exact time will be communicated soon, this is an occasion you won’t want to miss! We’ll come together to celebrate all that God has done in our community over 2024 and also look ahead with excitement for what’s to come. It will be a time of heartfelt thanksgiving, especially for the dedicated volunteers and partners whose contributions make our church the thriving community it is today. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Kids Church end of year activities
1st Dec | 9am & 11am | Grade 6 Graduations
15th Dec | 9am & 11am | Break-up Celebrations
Parents: Be sure to check your emails for all the details.
Kids Church 2025
Kids Church resumes on Sunday 26th January for a Summer Fun Day. Bring a hat, wear some joggers, reconnect with buddies and bring along a friend for a great day!
Are you a business person?
As business leaders, embodying God’s presence in every place we step into—offices, boardrooms, and marketplaces—means letting our faith and values guide our actions, relationships, and decisions. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about bringing light, integrity, and hope into our professional spheres. By actively choosing to represent Christ in our work, we become agents of His love and wisdom, impacting those around us in meaningful ways.
This is your invitation to a values-based business networking dinner on Friday 6th December, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Contact Sally Packeer on 0412 610 001 to book your seat.
A values-based networking event led by John Sikkema can serve as a powerful platform for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. John Sikkema is a retired businessman who will be sharing with us his testimony on 19 January at Berwick Church of Christ during our Sunday morning services.
Kids Church | Sunday 24th November | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | King Hezekiah Prays to God (Isaiah 37:14-20, 35; 38:1-6, 20)
5 to 12-year-olds | Love in Action | 1 John 3:16-18
Sunday Service | 24th November | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
We are not meant to walk the journey of life and faith alone. In a world that often celebrates individualism, we will learn that true transformation happens when we live in authentic relationships with one another, share burdens, and grow in Christ together.
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 24th November | 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.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 24th November | 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.
Boys Brigade | Monday 25th November | From 6:00 pm
Be part of the action.
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 | Friendship Group | Wednesday 27th November | 1:30 pm
We will have Lloyd Poole on the keyboard, and Major Alan Laurens will bring a Christmas message. Let’s finish the year with joyful praise! There will be prizes for best male & female hat & best male & female outfit!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share
Christmas Carol Services | Sunday 8th December | 9:00 am, 11:00 am & 6:00 pm
Join us for a joyful celebration of the Christmas season at our Christmas Carol events on Sunday, December 8th. Services will be held at 9am, 11am, and 6pm, featuring a program of special song items, solo performances, and a special time of singing Christmas carols together.
This year’s theme, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” invites us all to reflect on and celebrate the great gift of Jesus to the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together in praise and joy, embracing the true meaning of Christmas. There will be a Photobooth available from December 8th until the end of the month, so join in the fun! Kids Church programs will run as usual at 9am and 11am, but no Kids Church program will be running at 6pm. All are welcome to join in this festive occasion!
YA Social | TenPin Bowling | Sunday 15th December | 6:00 pm
HEY YOUNG ADS, WE’RE GOING BOWLING!!! You are invited to our FINAL social of 2024!
We are going to OZ TenPin Bowling Narre Warren for some bowling and food. Food will be provided as well as 2 games of bowling. The cost is $20 and we cannot wait to see you there!
Key Details:
- Date: 15th December 2024
- Location: OZ Tenpin Narre Warren, 14/22 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren VIC 3805
- Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $20 - What to wear: Your best bowling attire!
- All YA invited (including VCE).
Drinks are not included but there is a cafe where you can buy drinks. Please note that this is an alcohol free event.
Christmas Day Service | Wednesday 25th Decembr 2024 | 9AM only
On Christmas Day we will celebrate our Saviour’s birth with one service at 9:00 am. How wonderful to start the day by worshiping our risen King and enjoying fellowship with our church family.
No Church services | Sunday 29th Decembr 2024
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for your incredible dedication and support. You’ve given so much, and now it’s time for a well-earned break. There will be no church services on Sunday 29th December as our volunteers will be taking a rest over the Christmas holidays, and we will be reopening on Sunday, 5th January 2025.
We are deeply grateful for everything you do, and we wish you a joyful, peaceful holiday season. We can’t wait to serve with you again in the new year! With sincere thanks.
Young Families | Camping Weekend | Friday 21st February 2025
Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
Get ready for a weekend of making unforgettable memories! We invite you to join us from February 21st (Friday) to February 23rd (Sunday) 2025, for the Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton. Strengthening the bonds between your family and others is our main priority!
Enjoy crisp, fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom, watch children play around the campsite, enjoy the fantastic free Water Park and paddle in the Warburton River. Warburton has plenty of cafes, and Redwood Forest has fantastic walking and cycling trails and is great fun for photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship.
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is loads of fun (and much easier with a group).
So gather your adventurous spirit, pack your sense of humour, and join us for this amazing weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us!
Please mark your calendars and book soon because our Young Families Camping Weekend awaits and sites are filling up with 120 people already registered!
From the Governance Committee
The following HR policies were finalised and approved by the Elders on the 21st of October 2024:
- Bullying & Harassment Policy
- Equal Employment Opportunities, Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Policy
- Grievance Handling Policy
- Discipline & Termination Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Minors Code of Conduct
If you are a volunteer, please ensure you read these policies and if you have any questions or feedback about any of these, simply email [email protected] or contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office (9702 1011).
All our policies are located on the church website.
Policies currently in process
- Flexible Working Policy (New)
- Remote Working & Working from Home Policy (New)
- Privacy Policy (Review)
- Police Check Policy (Review)
How to sign up as a Volunteer…
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out the volunteering page on the website. There are several ministries listed, but if you do not see what you are interested in, click on the “Volunteer Application Form – Other Ministries” link at the bottom of the page for all our other ministry opportunities.
What is involved?
You will need to complete a Volunteer Application Form, have an interview with one of the Pastors, hold a current Working with Children Check, sign our Policy Induction, and undergo online safety training (which helps us meet all our insurance and legal obligations).
This may seem like a lot, but it is a once only process, with a safety training refresher every 3 years, and allows you to serve in any ministry area. The only additional requirement is that those who serve in the Café or Kitchen you will need to hold a Food Handler’s Certificate.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please talk to one of our Pastors or feel free to contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office 9702 1011.
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
