Finding lasting joy…

Finding lasting joy…

As I prepared for the current series, I became acutely aware of a disturbing trend over Christmas seasons. There are three unique dynamics that converge over this season like in no other:

  • Many evaluate their lives on a subconscious ‘fulfilment scale’
  • Bombardment with marketing ploys to raise your awareness of what you still lack
  • The prevalence of suicidal thinking, severe depression, and even self-injury

There seems to be so much that has been thrown at us over the past couple of years that I can understand the desire to solve this uneasiness with a quick fix. The reality is that nothing you can buy will be a lasting source of joy.

So, where do we find a deeper and more sustainable source of joy as Christians?  One of the lies of our day is that you can form your sense of identity and purpose within a bubble – with no responsibility or accountability to your environment. Let’s call it “The Lie of The ‘I’” – INDIVIDUALISM. Modern psychology (from Frankl…to Peterson) underscore the truth that there is the need for meaning that surpasses the need for material acquisition. You can truly be depressed inside of an “everything is free” shopping mall! This is the lie of MATERIALISM.

Being part of a Faith Family has given Christians through the centuries a sense of belonging, support, humility, and hope. Listen to this commentary on an authentic Faith Community:

'All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, '

Acts 2:44-46 NIV

'All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. '

Acts 4:32-35 NIV

This is so counter culture!!! It is not capitalism, communism or even socialism. This is a faith community driven by mission to transform their world with the power of the Gospel! What a light in the darkness they were. As we see restrictions on our gatherings ease, why don’t you take initiative and start gathering together with a Faith Community…in whatever way possible to you. You will soon realise that it will rekindle within you a greater sense of meaning and purpose than any individualistic pursuit or material gain can offer!

Onsite services are back! | December 5th 2021

We have some exciting news regarding on-site church services!

Firstly let us say how much we missed you onsite over these lockdowns. The interruptions to the gathering of the church as a faith family is something we missed dearly.

Through the survey results and other feedback we have received, we know this is how you feel too and that there is a deep need for reconnection, fellowship and healing together

As leadership we desire to find a way to care for all our people.  This would mean including all our church family in all that we do.  This past season has made it impossible. We have sympathy for the difficulties this may have caused you. We do however continue to wrestle with the best way to connect, engage and establish our onsite gathering as the body of Christ. We are so grateful that our unity as a church goes beyond physical gatherings and boundaries. Our unity is built on our singular focus as a movement and our unity in Christ!

'God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. '

1 Corinthians 1:9-10 NIV

Currently, there is no onsite gathering solution that would satisfy everybody. Therefore, we invite you to partner with us in the reality that whatever we do will come with some challenges.

The leadership at BCOC have resolved to begin onsite services for the month of December. From the 5th of December we will conduct the following three options on a Sunday:

A 9am Service onsite: (Fully Vaccinated)

  • No booking is necessary
  • No cap on attendance is applied
  • Kid’s church program operating as much as volunteer availability allows
  • Kids need to be booked in – go to https://berwickchurch.org.au/bookings
  • It is a State Government requirement, upon arrival that you:
    – QR  code check-in
    – Provide evidence that you and anyone over the age of 12 who is with you has been vaccinated, by way of a government issued vaccine certificate. A lack of evidence of your vaccinated status, means you will be invited to attend the 11am Unknown vaccinated status service
  • Face masks will need to be worn when singing
  • Come early as check-in may take longer than normal, as we need to view everyone's vaccination evidence.

Livestreaming of the 9am service on Facebook and YouTube

An 11am Service onsite: (Undisclosed Vaccination Status)

  • You have to book in – go to https://berwickchurch.org.au/bookings
  • Kids included in the service
  • Worship will be tailored to the size of the group
  • Sermon will be preached and not streamed
  • Booking cut-off time will be 48 hrs before the service starts
  • It is a State Government requirement that you:
    – QR code check-in, you will not need to disclose your vaccination status
    – Wear a face mask at all times
  • Attendance capacity is a maximum of 50 people

We understand that some individual circumstances will find these options difficult to manage. One of our very own staff members has to manage their family with one teenager not completely vaccinated and this directly impacts the family’s liberties to worship together at 9am. You can be assured we are aware of the limitations some people may be experiencing.

We invite you to respond again to the call on your life to serve Christ and His church, and take up your role in the body of Christ.  Leading the community of believers in being His presence in every place is what we are trying to achieve. We encourage you to identify what God would lead you to do in this new season. We will only be able to serve to the capacity we have volunteers available. The elders, pastors and staff are all taking up wider responsibility than usual to make this work. The Kids Ministry, Welcome Team, Tech Team and Coffee Team especially are in need of volunteer support. Contact the church office if you are able to help.

We look forward to reconnecting with you all. We keep trusting for a time soon where we will be able to gather without any restrictions.

Pastor Andrew | Appreciation gift

In appreciation of Andrew's ministry to our children and families, there is an opportunity to give him and his family a financial gift.  There will be envelopes available on both Sunday 5th and 12th December or you can deposit to the church bank account BSB 033 609 ACC 434168 marked 'Andrew Gift'.  Please contact the church office if you have any questions.

Fuse Youth | Friday 26th November 2021

This week at FUSE Youth SURPRISE!! This Friday we can officially re-join as one group of 50 attendees and it’s #80s Night! Come dressed in your 80s attire & get ready for games, food & fun! 7-9.30pm, $5. Booking Essential! Book here.

Kids Church | Sunday 28th November

This week at Kids Church Elfie’s parents come to their first church service with Elfie. Elfie is so excited, he walks into church smiling from ear to ear and shows his mum and dad the kids’ church space. Pastor Kevin notices and starts a conversation with Elfie. Soo Elfie is telling his story of how he met God, was transformed from the inside out, and how his prayers for his parent’s salvation had been answered. The kids’ church kids sat soaking in every word, totally inspired by Elfie’s life!

Click here for links to Berwick Kids TV and Wonderkids to Grade 6 programs starting at 9am Sunday.

Sunday Service | Lasting Joy – Representation

There is something far greater than finding happiness in things that are temporal, it is in finding the full measure of Joy from within. This message though is nothing like you imagine as it is tied to our God given purpose in the earth. Be warned this message may conflict with your beliefs, you past and the way you currently view life.
Watch if you will, but be ready to be challenged.

Watch via live stream on YouTube or Facebook.

Boys Brigade | Monday 29th November

Be part of the action. For over 20 years the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.

ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.00pm

JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm

SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7.30pm – 9.30pm

More details are on our calendar here.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor