His presence in every family
Friday 1st July 2022
A couple of months ago the pastors were discerning what God would want us to share with our faith community over this July school holidays. It has been a while since we took a book in the Bible and taught its main themes to our people, and we felt the importance of studying a book in the Bible would sit well in this season. At the same time, we became acutely aware of the intensity of the onslaught on family life in our culture. I referenced some of the trends we see in Australian families in last week’s blog. The latest census results that were released last week confirmed the erosion of the Christian ethos in family life in Australia.
As the books of the Bible were scanned, the rediscovery of the 2nd epistle of John struck a chord! Three themes can be highlighted through reading this book several times (It consists of 13 power packed verses)
- The supreme importance of the family
- The beauty of healthy family culture in a turbulent world
- A biblical way of going about safeguarding your family’s future
We have therefore decided to approach this book and highlight the three key components that will help us lead our families well as we study this book:
- All families need someone to take the lead in leadership
- Families need key truths which act as principles that guide them through life
- Love is what creates the necessary bond that makes individuals consistently steer back towards the family
Biblically, there is such a thing as the ideal family:
‘Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. ‘
Malachi 2:15 NIV
Practically, after 30 years of ministry…I still have to come across the perfect family! That is why families need someone to take responsibility for steering them toward the ideal. That is true whether you are part of a young family, a family with young adults, empty nesters, or a single grandparent. Therefore:
It is never too late to start >>>
leading well in your family! >>>
This Sunday I will be sharing some experience of how God helps us to lead our families to a beautiful culture regardless of the stage or state of family affairs!
Baptism Celebration | Update
Last Sunday, we had the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of Tristan, Jerry and Ben last Sunday. They all shared stories of what God is doing in their lives and were baptised by immersion just like Jesus did. As a church, we want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Perhaps, you want to follow Jesus and are contemplating if baptism is the next step for you. If you are then we would like to chat with you. Fill out this form and someone will be in touch. All things going well, our next scheduled baptism will be on Sunday, 28th August so register as soon as you can.
Your Story | Migrated from Italy
I migrated to Australia from Italy in 1968 for a change. Even though I was faced with many challenges I worked very hard and have enjoyed my life with my family.
We love to hear inspirational stories about how individual lives have been changed! If you would like to share 'Your Story', please email: [email protected] and inspire others!
Kids Church | No program
Our volunteers are taking a well earnt rest today so there will be no Kids Church program onsite. We will be proving colouring at the back of the auditorium. You can catch up on a lesson you may have missed on our YouTube Channel.
We can't wait to see you all again when Kids Church returns Sunday 10th July!
Sunday Service | At Home – Loving
‘And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. ‘ 2 John 1:5-7 NIV
Join us this Sunday as we learn how to lead, love and learn together as households. Truth and love is the foundation for relationships. Relationships can be faultily built on many things…except truth and love. Truth and love together form the moral compass for our “walk” as Christians. Jesus Christ is real and the ultimate example of this. Truth and love was made manifest among us in Jesus Christ and denying Him is denying true love. We can’t wait to see you! Embracing Him brings grace, mercy and peace into our homes!
If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.
Young Adults | Branding discussion forum this Sunday
Are you a young adult? We would love you to join us as we open up an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and answer any questions about our proposed movement name ‘Christ Servants’.
The new ‘Brand Identity’ will position us for future vision, and feel strongly that the Young Adults in our church are a vital part of this journey.
Lunch will be provided and we hope you can make it. 1pm – 3pm in the Connect Lounge. Book now.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 13th July
Our Seniors Ministry will learn more about this country that is presently in conflict with Russia. A freewill offering will be taken for those in the conflict in Ukraine.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share
GTM 1 Chinese | Friday 15th July
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect 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
Discussions will be in Chinese and videos will be presented in English. Grow your relationship with God. Book now.
Search To Find Berwick | Tuesday 19th July
It is so easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the voices and messaging that surround us. Those voices often promote conflicting ideas and options for life, leaving the receiver feeling manipulated and used for someone else’s end.
Cut through all the noise, by exploring in a safe environment what is real and what is true, when it comes to spiritual reality, faith, and God. Book now.
GTM 1 | Tuesday 19th July
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect 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
Grow your relationship with God. Book now.
Search To Find Clyde | Wednesday 20th July
It is so easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the voices and messaging that surround us. Those voices often promote conflicting ideas and options for life, leaving the receiver feeling manipulated and used for someone else’s end.
Cut through all the noise, by exploring in a safe environment what is real and what is true, when it comes to spiritual reality, faith, and God. Book now.
Men’s Night | Sunday 7th August
Essendon Football Clubs chaplain Mark Purser, is in his sixth season after serving the Adelaide Crows in the same role for 5 seasons where he dealt with the deaths of two prominent coaches at the Crows within a 15 month period. Join us as Mark shares how being resilient can help you reach your goals. Bring your mates!
Details:
- Date: Sunday 7th August
- Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, room 1
- Age: 16+
- Cost: $10
- Included: BBQ, drink & roaring fire
Make sure to wear your favourite footy colours! BOOK NOW
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
