His Presence is the light in darkness!

His Presence is the light in darkness!

Friday 18th February 2022

I want to burst out in jubilation every time one of our people come and share with me how God uses them to storm down the “gates of hell” that keep people captive in a life of slavery and suffering. The past week I’ve heard the following:

  • A lady was given a very important role to play in assessing the adverse effects of one of the “bad habits” in our city that has become commercialised
  • We were given the opportunity to help people caught up in gambling addiction
  • A businessman was given an opportunity to chase a God-given vision that is way beyond their comfort zone (and the faith to pursue it)
  • Another was carrying a dream of supporting people in their health journey through what she has learned in her own journey, was given a miraculous open door.
  • A migrant young man sensed a call to the political environment with a clear mandate to serve the city in a way that will glorify Christ!

They all share a challenge:

How can I be Christ’s >>>

servant in the darkness? >>>

How can I be Christ’s servant in the darkness?
They all want to be bold in their representation of Christ…without all the negative cultural baggage that religiosity carries with it. In a world where Christians aren’t seen as the good guys anymore…how do we transform communities and people through the power of the Gospel? I believe Jesus addressed this in the following scripture:

' “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” '

Matthew 11:16-19 NIV

In short. Religious people were referenced as

  • Immature
  • Materialistic and
  • Judgemental
    by Jesus…!

We need another way to act in this world…a bold and loving way to be mature, thankful and gracious. The aim is not to become more popular…but more influential in a loving way as it is through our deeds that we will turn people to God worshippers!

'In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. '

Matthew 5:16 NIV

Know this…we as your leaders pray for you to be strong as you position yourself as missional individuals…on a daily basis. Let those stories of being His Presence in Every Place come in!

Volunteers | Sign up here

If you are considering volunteering for any ministry area in the Church, we simply need you to complete our Volunteer Application Form to start the process. You will need to have a Working With Children Check or obtain one and complete our Policy Induction.  Once this Form is completed, a Pastor or Ministry Leader will contact you. 

Click here to complete the Form.

Kids Church | Are you passionate?

Are you passionate about helping to raise up a generation of kids who love to pray, worship, learn God's word and shine for Jesus? Yes? Then Kids Ministry may be your calling! 

We are looking for dedicated volunteers in the following areas: 

Sign-In Team: 

This is a 9:30-10:30am time commitment for two consecutive Sundays per month. We are looking for friendly IT savvy workers who can greet families, enrol new kids, accompany new families to specific rooms and make brief introductions to our team. Full training provided.

Team Members for the Wonderkids and Year 3-6 Room:

This is a 9:15-11:30am time commitment for two consecutive Sunday’s per month. In this role you will receive leadership training and ongoing mentoring and support from leaders. Full training provided. 

If you're interested, please give your contact details to our friendly staff on the Next Steps Desk and I'll be in contact. 

Blessings,

Glennie

Fuse Youth | Car boot night

This week at FUSE Youth is our ‘Car Boot’ festival night filled with car boots, fun & good vibes! Come dressed in your Fuse festival attire and get ready because we’ll have everything from a Car Boot Cinema to a Car Boot Thrift Store plus of course food, games and good chats.

Oh and we almost forgot, don’t forget to invite a friend for the chance to win Krispy Kreme donuts!

Details:

  • Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
  • Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
  • Bring: please bring a mask
  • Cost: $5

Kids Church | Jesus feeds the 5000

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church

PREP – GRADE 6 | Jesus feeds the 5000

Use what you have to help others | John 6:1-13

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus loves everyone

Zacchaeus | Luke 19:1-10

Sunday Service | Migrants

Did you know that 60% of Australia’s population growth is due to migration? The 40% left are people who are born in Australia, a significant portion of which are people who have a migrant ancestry. Australia is a country of migrants and, as a church, we have been called to minister to migrants. So what does the Bible say about migrants and how do we minister to them? Come, listen and watch this Sunday to find out.

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 21st February

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

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 23rd February

Seniors Ministry are going to have a fantastic move afternoon! Popcorn & lollies will be provided! Come ready to relax, have fun, and have fellowship with your friends, and be inspired by a great movie.

Details:

  • Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
  • Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
  • Bring: please bring a platter for everyone to share
  • Cost: $2

For further details, please call Larry 0410 613 056 or Sharon 0410 623 056

Baptisms | Sunday 27th February

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 would like to be contacted about being Baptised on Sunday 27th February. Book now.

Sunday Service | Minors – 27th February

Normally when we think of minors we think of those under 18 years of age, but given the challenges that teenagers have faced transitioning to young adults in the last couple of years, we will be having a special focus on youth and young adults for our minors focus…

Please encourage any teenagers or young adults to come to hear this message.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor