Table of Contents
From Concern to Compassion
Wednesday 4th September 2024
The globe has seemingly gone crazy, and there is an ever-increasing sense that darkness is soon to prevail—or may already be prevailing—in many areas of society.
‘If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don’t belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and this is why its people hate you. If the people of this world hate you, just remember that they hated me first. Remember how I told you that servants are not greater than their master. So, if people mistreat me, they will mistreat you. If they do what I say, they will do what you say. ‘
John 15:18-20 CEV
We want people to hear and respond to the call to enjoy a seamless relationship with God as they commit their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We all want communities like that. I want to live in a community like that!
‘Pray for peace in Babylonia and work hard to make it prosperous. The more successful that nation is, the better off you will be. That the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said: I had you taken from Jerusalem to Babylonia. Now I tell you to settle there and build houses. Plant gardens and eat what you grow in them. Get married and have children, then help your sons find wives and help your daughters find husbands, so they can have children as well. I want your numbers to grow, not to get smaller. ‘
Jeremiah 29:4-7 CEV
I used to believe that such a thing was impossible, that the influence of evil was too powerful to resist, and that we had to hunker down and hold on until the end of our days. I don’t think that way anymore. Now, I know the goodness of the Lord can prevail on Earth, and I know it will come through a life-giving church.
‘Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom. ‘
Ephesians3:10 CEV
As God’s people in this world, we can surely hold on to the hope expressed in Psalm 27: 13 NLT.
‘Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.’
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 6th September | 7:00 pm
Hey Fuse! This week is our FINAL Real Talk night of term three (can you believe it?) We have our very own Gemima sharing on the importance of sharing our story! Get ready for a night of worship, a great message and good chats! 7-9.30pm, $5!
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!
Sunday Service | 8th September | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
We will be starting our new 3 week series on Worship. For the first week in the series we will delve into what happens in the heart of a true worshiper and how we can be more intentional when we enter God’s presence both in our private and congregational times of worship.
Kids Church | Sunday 8th September | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The Man at the Pool | John 5: 1-9
5 to 12-year-olds |More than enough – Jesus feeds 5,000 | John 6: 1-13
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 8th 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.
YA Social | Trivia Night | Sunday 8th September | 6:00 pm
YOUNG AD’S! Make sure you don’t miss out on our TRIVIA NIGHT on the 8th of September!!! Bring your A-game and all your mates, and get ready for a great night of fun and fellowship.
Awesome prizes will be up for grabs, and dinner will be provided! Make sure you bring $10 for entry!
So grab friends for your table, and we will see you there.
Time: Sunday, September 8, 6:00 pm at the Church.
Boys Brigade | Monday 9th 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
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
Alpha 8 Week Marriage Course | Commencing Wednesday 16th October 2024 | 7:30 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….
Men's Camp | Xtreme Character Challenge | Thursday 31st October 2024
Men, are you ready for a challenge on 31 Oct – 3 Nov 2024 at Snowy Mountains, NSW? An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild.
This is NOT a Church Men’s Camp. The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual input moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.
Cost: $450:00
*Note: This event is run independently from Berwick Church of Christ.
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
