Table of Contents
His actions speak the loudest
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Jesus showed unparalleled endurance through suffering, serving as the ultimate model for believers facing trials and tribulations. His steadfastness in the face of immense suffering reveals profound truths about the nature of endurance and the transformative power of faith. One Scripture that encapsulates how Jesus’ endured through suffering is found in Hebrews 12:2 (NIV):
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus endured various forms of suffering, culminating in his sacrificial death on the cross. Despite knowing the agony that awaited him, Jesus willingly embraced the path of suffering out of obedience to God’s will his and love for humanity. His endurance in such profound suffering is a beacon of hope and an inspiration for believers navigating their own trials.
Jesus’ endurance through suffering is most poignantly shown during his crucifixion. As he hung on the cross, Jesus experienced excruciating physical pain, mockery, and abandonment. Yet, amidst this unimaginable agony, he remained resolute in his commitment to fulfil God’s redemptive plan. Instead of succumbing to despair or bitterness, Jesus entrusted himself to the hands of his Heavenly Father, demonstrating unwavering faith and submission to God’s divine purpose.
The Scripture in Hebrews highlights Jesus’ motivation for enduring the cross: “For the joy set before him.” Despite the immediate anguish of the crucifixion, Jesus remained focused on the ultimate joy of accomplishing redemption for humanity and securing eternal life for believers. His endurance was fuelled by the promise of victory over sin and death, demonstrating the transformative power of hope amid suffering.
Moreover, Jesus’ endurance through suffering exemplifies his selflessness and love for humanity. He willingly bore the weight of humanity’s sins on the cross, offering himself as a sacrificial lamb for the salvation of all who believe. Jesus’ suffering was not in vain but served as the catalyst for reconciliation between God and humanity, exemplifying the depth of his love and compassion.
As believers reflect on Jesus’ endurance through suffering, they are encouraged to emulate his example in their own lives. Just as Jesus remained steadfast amidst trials, believers are called to persevere in faith, knowing God is faithful and sovereign over all circumstances. Through prayer, reliance on scripture, and communion with God, believers can draw strength from Jesus’ example of endurance and find hope in the promise of eternal life secured through his sacrificial death and resurrection.
Young Adults Summer Camp | Highlight
Wow, what a weekend we had at YA Summer Camp 2024! Over 120 young people joined us at Bonnie Doon over the weekend doing water sports and tubing as well as fellowship and spending time worshipping the Lord. We had the incredible pleasure of seeing three Young Adults share their testimonies and get baptised, and we had our first Y&Y Service of the year on the Saturday night. God is truly moving through this community and it was great to see new connections made and friendships strengthened over the course of this weekend. Bring on the rest of 2024!
Food Pantry | Our city needs our help
In 2023 the Food Pantry supported 96 families (231 visits) who required crisis support. 96 families! Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours. Families who are doing it tough.
The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award. Let’s reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry basket located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
Let’s Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Payment via cash or card can be made during the above times or you can donate online.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Fuse Youth | Friday 15th March | 7:00 pm
This week we are joining with Koo Wee Rup YTH at BCOC for an epic all in games night! Get ready to make new friends while having an amazing time! 7-9.30pm, @BCOC, $5.
Sunday Service | 17th March | 10:00 am
We continue the series “Our gain from pain” that will lead us into Easter. In this series we look at what Jesus taught us about suffering and how God can use our own pain for good.
We will also look at how we should be praying during painful seasons and how we can use our own experience of suffering for the benefit of others.
Kids Church | Sunday 17th March | 10:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Washing Feet | John 13:3-17
5 to 12-year-olds | The Peacemaker (Abigail Intervenes) | 1 Samuel 25:1-35
Onsite check-in opens at 9:45am and closes at 10:15am. Kids Church finishes at 11:30am.
Room Allocations for 2024
Wonderkids Room – 2 year olds and Kinder 3’s (all 2 year olds are most welcome to be registered after their 2nd birthday). 🙂
FLC Room 5 – Kinder 4’s and Preps born AFTER 1st July 2018
FLC Room 6 – Grade 1’s and Preps born BEFORE 30th June 2018
FLC Room 1 – Grades 2, 3 and 4
The Youth Shed – Grades 5 & 6
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Kids Church is seeking more volunteers to support the dual service sessions. If you are interested, please complete the Kids Ministry Volunteer Application Form by clicking the link. Contact Glennie for more information. Email: [email protected].
Y&Y Service | Sunday 17th March | 5:30 pm
Hey, Youth and Young Adults! Our next Y&Y service is on the 17th of March!!!
We have the incredible Nathan ‘Jamo’ Jamieson coming to share what is on his heart in relation to the YA space, so make sure you are there and bring your friends!
Jamo is a Youth leader at BCOC and one of the young adults here. Last year, he lived all throughout Western Australia, doing mission work in different Aboriginal communities and remote towns. He also had the privilege to do mission work in Egypt and Fiji, focusing on encouraging young people to pursue God and His plans for their lives. Now back home in Melbourne, Jamo is excited to serve the Lord and see how he wants to use him to uplift and encourage the young people of this great city.
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 17th March | 5:45 pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who regularly meet to pray together. James 5:16 – speaks about the effect of fervent prayer and how it achieves great things! Come along and enjoy fellowship, worship, and prayer as men of faith gather to seek God for mighty breakthroughs.
Boys Brigade | Monday 18th March | 6:00 pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys. We provide a Christian community that supports boys and young men and assists in their Christian growth, physical development, and leadership training while teaching life skills. Come along and be part of the action!
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7:15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8:30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm
Writers Group | Saturday 23rd March | 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!
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 26th March | 7:30 pm
Remeber you are not alone.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 and 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 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 27th March | 1:30 pm
Let’s enjoy fellowship together, as we share around the communion table in honour and remembrance of our Lord Jesus. Pastor Michael will bring the Easter message.
Good Friday Service | 29th March | 9:00 am
Our special Good Friday service will be a time of reflection, communion, and worship, focused around the powerful sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ when He paid the penalty for our sins by suffering and dying on the cross.
Easter Sunday Service | 31st March | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the triumph of Christ’ resurrected life which has empowered us to live a live of victory. This will be the concluding message in the “Our Gain from Pain” series where we will focus on how God can help us to help others through our own experiences of victory over pain and suffering. Please note that there will be two services on this day at 9 am and at 11 am.
Bapsitm Class | Monday 15th April | 7:00 pm
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 want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
Alpha Marriage 8 Week Course | Wednesday 17th April | 7:00 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….
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
