Table of Contents
Fatherhood and the failings thereof…
Wednesday 28th August 2024
In our journey to be good neighbours, peacemaking stands as a cornerstone of fostering harmonious and supportive communities. Jesus, in His teachings, places a high value on the role of peacemakers, and contemporary thought further reinforces the transformative power of peace in our relationships and communities.
Fatherhood is a vital cornerstone in society’s fabric. In a world where values and roles constantly evolve, the importance of nurturing fathers remains essential. Fathers play a critical role in shaping their children’s lives, influencing their development, and contributing to the well-being of families and communities.
We acknowledge the reality that for many, the support of a Godly father is sadly non-existant. However, scripture affirms the significance of fatherhood, highlighting the responsibility and honour of this role.
In Ephesians 6:4 (NIV), we are reminded,
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse underscores the importance of a father’s role in guiding their children with love, patience, and wisdom, creating an environment where they can spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually thrive.
Modern research supports the biblical perspective, emphasizing that engaged fathers are crucial to the healthy development of children. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), children with involved fathers are more likely to
- succeed academically
- exhibit better social behaviour and
- have higher self-esteem
The research also found that father involvement is linked to a reduced likelihood of behavioural problems and emotional difficulties in children.
Moreover, a father’s role extends beyond the home. Fathers can model respect, responsibility, and resilience, which are increasingly important in today’s complex world. As children observe their fathers navigating challenges with integrity and faith, they learn valuable life lessons that equip them to face their struggles confidently.
Proverbs 20:7 (NIV) reminds us,
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
A father’s influence is profound and enduring, impacting their children and future generations. By embodying righteousness and integrity, fathers lay a foundation for their children to follow, creating a legacy of faith and strength.
In our fast-paced, ever-changing society, the importance of fatherhood cannot be overstated. Fathers who embrace their role with love, dedication, and a commitment to their children’s well-being contribute to a more robust, compassionate world. As we honour and support fathers in their crucial roles, we aspire to build a society where every child has the opportunity to flourish, guided by the loving presence of their father.
But…what happens when we have imperfect fathers…or if we are imperfect fathers ourselves? On Father’s Day, we will focus on managing that gap between the “ideal” father and the “real” father… Be sure to join us for an inspiring and hope-filled Father’s Day this coming Sunday, September 1st, at Berwick Church and Clyde Church.
Serve Your City | Volunteering Opportunities
At Berwick Church of Christ, we encourage everyone to Follow Christ, Love People, Serve their City, and Grow Faith Communities. We want to invite you to prayerfully consider serving your city in one of the following three ways. We look forward to helping you go and be His presence in these places.
Do you have a heart for refugees? We are looking for mentors to support eligible people from a refugee background through the COACH Community Mentoring Program located in the Dandenong/Casey region.
What is COACH Mentoring?
Coach Mentoring assists refugees who are seeking to become economically independent.
Each mentee’s goals are identified before being matched with a suitable mentor.
Typically, mentors and mentee’s meet once a week, for an hour and this relationship would continues for a period of 12 months.
Mentors are allocated a COACH Coordinator as a contact point to support them throughout this mentoring relationship.
Our mentoring program suits people with a heart to come alongside and support refugees as they settle in Melbourne. Mentors undergo training and screening checks, before being matched with a participant. The purpose of the mentoring relationship is to be a “friend with purpose”, to support them as they work towards achieving their identified goals, such as education, employment and making community connections.
If you have questions, or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to send an email to refugees@coachnetwork.org with your contact details.
As a Kids COACH Mentor, you can help children learn positive social skills, have fun, reach their goals, and build resilience. Come alongside a child at school to offer practical help and be a positive role model for one hour a week, for a minimum of 12 months. This opportunity is in partnership with Crossway South East, with an initial commitment of one day of in-person training and an online module. (10 volunteers for Term 3, 2024).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Would you like to empower primary-aged students to implement positive change in their lives? As a REBOOT program volunteer, you can help upper primary school students (grades 5 and 6) learn about wellbeing through fun games and activities during lunchtime. The wellbeing topics covered are Self-Esteem, Perceived Control, Optimism, Personal Relationships, and Achieving in Life, which are delivered in an actionable format. (5 volunteers for Term 1, 2025 training to be confirmed).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Fuse Youth | Friday 30th August | 7:00 pm
Hey Fuse! This week our VCE are taking over youth… that’s right, they have planned an EPIC night for you and the leaders! We are at Berwick Church of Christ as normal! Don’t forget to invite your mates – this one is gonna be FUN!
7-9.30pm, $5.
Sunday Service | 1st September | Father's Day | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This Father’s Day, join us for a special sermon that celebrates the incredible role of fathers in our lives. We’ll explore the heart of fatherhood through the lens of God’s love, drawing strength and inspiration from Scripture to remind every dad that their role is not just important but deeply significant. Whether you’re a father, a father figure, or someone who looks up to a father, this message of hope, love, and encouragement is for you. Come, be uplifted, and let’s honour the fathers among us with the grace and wisdom from our Heavenly Father. Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the gift of fatherhood together!
Clyde Church Sunday Service | 1st September | Father's Day | 10:00 am
This Father’s Day, join us for a special sermon that celebrates the incredible role of fathers in our lives. We’ll explore the heart of fatherhood through the lens of God’s love, drawing strength and inspiration from Scripture to remind every dad that their role is not just important but deeply significant. Whether you’re a father, a father figure, or someone who looks up to a father, this message of hope, love, and encouragement is for you. Come, be uplifted, and let’s honour the fathers among us with the grace and wisdom from our Heavenly Father. Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the gift of fatherhood together!
Address:
Function Room
04 Terry Vickerman Building
65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road
Cranbourne East VIC 3977
Time:
Sunday 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Kids Church | Sunday 1st September | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds |Jesus is the light of the world | John 1:4-5, 8:12, 9:5
5 to 12-year-olds | Lights up | Matthew 5:14-16
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 1st September | 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 2nd September | 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
Writers Group | Saturday 7th September | 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!
Partners Gathering | Sunday 8th September | 1:00 pm
Partners Gatherings are a significant time for us to connect, celebrate, build stronger relationships and to pray together.
We’ve got a great program planned; from inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 10th September | 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, 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.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 11th September | 1:30 pm
Gavin Chattelier is a professional Christian singer, who proclaims the gospel through Elvis songs. If you could invite friends, it would be a wonderful opportunity for them to hear the Gospel. Singing is Gavin’s livelihood, so there is a cost of $5 per person, and his will be CDs for sale. A special afternoon tea will be served.
Y&Y Service | Chester Cameron | Sunday 15th September | 5:30 pm
Chester is an everyday lover of Jesus. He once was lost. Now he is found. He once was hopeless, nameless, broken, and rebellious. Now he is not. How? Jesus… Just Jesus.
Chester grew up in Berwick Church of Christ, where he first met God – the One who created him, and where he first said “yes” to following Him. Since then, through highs and lows, Chester has continued to simply say “yes” to God. His willing and obedient heart to follow God has taken him to study paramedicine in Bendigo, share the Gospel across the globe and across the street, and now brings him back to BCOC to speak at Y&Y.
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Commencing Tuesday 17th September 2024 | 7:00pm
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 Course | Commencing Wednesday 18th September 2024 | 7:00pm
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore the meaning of life and faith.
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.
Come along and enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment where everyone’s opinion and experiences are validated.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 8th October 2024 | 7:00 pm
GTM 2 is aimed at developing levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is available 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 8th October 2024 | 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
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
