His Presence …everywhere…every way…every day!

His Presence …everywhere…every way…every day!

Friday 11th February 2022

Many of our greatest battles as a society are fought seven days of the week…or at least five. Chances are you are confronted daily with pain, sin, and brokenness in our community. Our world is crying out from a dark space “Can someone please help…?” or at the other extreme of “I am doing life my way!”  That’s where we come in. The church of Jesus Christ is at its best when it is helpful, hopeful, loving and serving. We introduce a better way to approach life. A way where neither victimhood nor entitlement takes the reigns, but a humble heart that works through the same battles as the rest of society. No wonder Jesus sent us out in the following way:

‘“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard."

Matthew 10:16-17 NIV

We have narrowed the gospel down to:

Information on how to get to heaven while giving us a comfortable existence with a small footnote on following Christ, >>>

an even smaller footnote on loving all people, and an even smaller footnote on being servants as Christ did…>>>

The horrible consequence is that “church” is thought of as a weekly crutch-like gathering of people who act invisible the rest of the week. It is time to reform the perception that we are weekend warriors and engage attentively with our world ushering in the faith, hope and love this world so desperately craves. Let’s do that by firstly

  • becoming missional in how we live as individuals
  • redeem God’s ideal for marriage and family
  • raise our kids and grandchildren in the ways and purposes of Christ and
  • embrace our migrant communities into a vibrant faith community.

If you take this mission on board in your life… you will most definitely discover the importance of a movement that transforms communities and individuals through the power of the gospel!

We are a seven day a week, Christ serving community of missionaries… we can hardly be seen as a contemporary church… and that is why we as elders and leadership are convinced we need to move towards naming this movement… in such a way that it reveals our being. As it is breaking itself out of the worldly mindset of the word “church”…  let’s pray for guidance and wisdom while we do what we are called to do!!!

Creative Arts pastor arriving | Monya van Staden

Good news…! Our new Creative Arts pastor Monya van Staden and her family (Husband Johan, Ian and Eben) arrive this weekend in Australia. We want to thank everyone who made this possible and helped them be set up in their new home. Let's keep them in our prayers as they take time to settle in and find their feet in our community.  Over the next few weeks, they will be introduced systematically into life with us. 

Clyde to Cranbourne Gathering | iConnect

Coming out of Lockdown, we are able to finally relaunch the church planting focus for Clyde and the lower areas of Cranbourne East and Cranbourne.

On the first Sunday of each month, we run Gatherings. Beginning last Sunday, we met at Casey Fields for a BBQ and lots of relationship building opportunities. The Gatherings feel like a big extended family of all ages and cultures. They will normally meet in homes incorporating the online service, lots of fellowship, God encounters, and food!

Going forward we are creating a Facebook page called iConnect, inviting contacts to connect in any of the following ways:

  • Saturday morning ‘Walking Group’
  • Online ‘Connect Course’ – equipping participants to build stronger relationships
  • Monthly Gatherings.

Once participants build connection and trust we invite them to join one of our Evangelism courses, and then hopefully the Growing to Maturity discipleship course – where lasting life transformation can occur!

If you know anyone in the Clyde to Cranbourne area, please contact to Ken or Aarti about how you might be able to connect your friends into what we are doing.

Kids Church | Update

We are excited to open doors at 9:45am for our Kids Church program which commences at 10 am. So each child receives the full experience of our fantastic prepared program each week, can we please ask that you collect your child/ren at 11.20am. Thank you so much for your understanding and patience as we settle into this new and exciting term.

Blessings,
Glennie

Fuse Youth | Friday 11th February

This week at FUSE Youth is #RealTalk and we are getting real! Get ready for a night of worship, discussion, small groups and food (obviously) as we kick off this new series.

PS: Come ready to anonymously write down challenges and questions you want addressed!

Details:

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

Kids Church | The woman from Samaria

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | The woman from Samaria

Show Others that they Matter | John 4:1-30, 39-42

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus loves everyone

Woman at the Well | John 4:1-30

Sunday Service | Guest speaker Mark Conner

We are privileged to have Mark Conner sharing the word with us this Sunday. Most of you would know Mark from his time as the senior pastor at Citylife church where he was on staff for 32 years. He is now investing his time and energy into speaking, training, writing, consulting, and coaching others toward greater effectiveness. He is a friend to us at Berwick Church of Christ given our relationship with Citylife in Casey. So come and hear what he has to say about Marriage and Family.

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 14th 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 – 9.15pm

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.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor