Fruitfulness
Friday 26th August 2022
One of the most beautiful realities of being human is the uniqueness of our individual design. No one shares your personality, abilities, ancestry, or history. I am sure the angels must be in awe every time a baby is born and say: Wow…never seen that before! You are heaven’s first and final stab at creating you.
You can call it what you wish, but you have a divine spark, an anointing, a calling, a talent, a skill set, a sweet spot, a zone and the list of proverbial expressions can go on and on. Scripture states it in so many ways:
'The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. '
1 Corinthians 12:7 CEV
'You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together out of human sight, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me. '
Psalms 139:13,15-16 CEV'From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. '
Psalms 33:13-15 NIV
When you find yourself at the intersection of “your special way”, “his written plans” and “what’s in your heart” you are well poised to live in God’s promised land for your life. That is when you are at your best.
Unfortunately many people stop short of their destiny…they settle for someone else’s story as depicted in mainstream media, social media or some other kind of “ideal” portrayed. They try to fit in, settle in, and gets moulded into something they are not.
We are robbed of the potential of our created purpose when we become too busy…busy chasing down “stuff” that promises fulfilment but delivers little. That is exactly where the trap lies…emulating what this world says is success…and missing out on your uniquely beautiful and joyous expression of life. Paul states a restoration to fruitfulness eloquently in his letter to the Galatians:
'Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. '
Galatians 6:4 CEV
Let’s be bold: Step back into YOUR promised land.
Food Pantry | Pick up at your next shop
Can you give someone a hand up, not a hand out, but a hand up this season? Due to the latest global economic conditions that are affecting our local community, the number of families that seek assistance from the Food Pantry has increased. You can Be HIs presence in Every Place and Serve the City by buying some or one of these items at your next grocery shop and donating them to the Food Pantry at the church.
- Toilet paper
- Long life milk
- Spreads
- Sweet biscuits
- Savoury biscuits
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned fruit
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
Thank you for giving someone a hand up in this season.
Operation Christmas Child | Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas
Would you like to bring joy to young people? Would you like to bring the gospel of Jesus to children? Would you like to transform the life of a child in a third world country? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. And you can do it in 6 easy steps!
- Attend Berwick Church of Christ and purchase a box for 50 cents at the Next Steps desk.
- Fill the box with the gifts.
- Label your box.
- Bring the box back by Sunday, 25th September 2022.
- Make a $10 donation for shipping and gospel materials.
- Pray for the child who will receive your box.
Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. Find out more by going to the Next Steps Desk at Berwick Church of Christ before and after the Sunday worship service.
Fuse Youth | Friday 26th August
This week at FUSE Youth come with your thinking hats on because this week is MYSTERY NIGHT! we can’t say much but we hope you’re prepared …
Key details:
- 7-9.30pm
- $5
- @BCOC
Kids Church | Sunday 28th August
Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…
PREP – GRADE 6 | I choose you
God has a plan to reveal His love to the world | Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6
WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | I am important to God
I matter to God | Mark 10:13-16
Sunday Service | Promised Land – Wealth 3
This Sunday our worship team will take us all to heavenly places. We will bring you a fantastic message which you can implement into your own life. Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!
If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.
Boys Brigade | Monday 29th August
Be part of the action Monday night. 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
Guest speaker Eddy Leo | Sunday 4th September
Pastor Eddy Leo will be visiting us on Sunday 4th September at 10am to preach about Warfare as part of our Promised Land series. Eddy is the founder and lead pastor of Abbalove Ministries in Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest churches in the world. He pioneered Christian Men's Network Indonesia and is the advisor to CMN International. Eddy is also a well accomplished author and is married to Rosemarry and has two sons, Christian and Daniel.
Join us on Sunday 4th September to hear from Pastor Eddy Leo.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 14th September
Come & relax with a movie, popcorn & lollies! (provided) Cost $2
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Room: Connect Lounge
- Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share
Kids Encounter Day | Saturday 24th September
Grades 2-6 don’t miss out!
BCOC’s Kids Encounter Day is a unique opportunity for Grade 2 – 6 kids to learn more about their loving heavenly Father, the importance of forgiveness, how to hear God’s voice, and much more. Engaging teaching material will be applied in aged-based small groups to facilitate personal encounter times. And of course, there will be lots of yummy food, great games and heaps of fun!
Details:
- Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm
- Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Cost:
Early bird until Saturday 3rd September – $25
From Sunday 4th September – $35
Registrations strictly close on Sunday 18th September.
Alpha | Wednesday 28th September
WHAT IS ALPHA?
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 a video and have an open discussion and conversation in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Dinner costs: $15 (plus a 30c booking fee)
Click this link to book Now!
CONNECT
Connecting with others is important; friends gathered 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 one is around thirty minutes long and played as a video. They explore important issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?
DISCUSS
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share 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 open environment.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
