Honouring marriage as kids grow up

Honouring marriage as kids grow up

Wednesday 28th February 2024

As children leave the home to pursue their own paths, parents face a new chapter that presents an opportunity for rediscovery, reconnection, and renewal. It's a season to shift focus, invest in yourself and each other, and breathe new life into your marriage. The Bible gives excellent advice for this season.

1.Embrace change with faith: 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Eccl 3:1 NIV

Embracing this phase requires faith in God's plan for the season of change. Trust that He has brought you to this point for a purpose, and that purpose may well include the opportunity to deepen your marital bond.

2. Rediscover each other:

In the hustle and bustle of raising a family, it's easy for couples to lose sight of one another amidst the demands of parenthood. Now is the time to rekindle the flame of romance and rediscover the person you fell in love with. Song of Solomon 5:16 beautifully portrays the intimacy and admiration between partners, urging us to cherish and delight in the wisdom gained over the years.

'His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem.'

Song of Songs 5:16

3. Prioritise communication:

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a thriving marriage. Take time to talk and truly listen to each other's hopes, dreams, and concerns. Prioritise your conversations around what is genuinely uplifting and beneficial this season, and protect each other from cynicism that can easily creep in. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of the power of words, urging us to speak life and encouragement into our relationships. Honest and open communication fosters understanding, empathy, and connection.

'The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. '

Proverbs 18:21

4. Invest in quality time together:

Now that your children have started to fly from the nest, seize the opportunity to invest in quality time as a couple. Whether it's exploring new hobbies, embarking on adventures, or simply enjoying quiet moments together, Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages us to 

“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love." 

Cultivate shared experiences that deepen your bond and create lasting memories.

5. Serve together:

As a couple, engaging in acts of service and ministry can be immensely fulfilling and strengthen your unity. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to 

“serve one another humbly in love," 

exemplify Christ's selfless love for us. Whether volunteering in your community, serving at church, or supporting a cause dear to your heart, serving together builds solidarity and purpose in your marriage.

6. Renew Your Commitment:

Just as God's love for us is unwavering and unconditional, commit to loving your spouse with that same steadfast devotion. Ephesians 5:25 exhorts husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially and unconditionally. Renewing your vows, both in heart and in action, reaffirms your commitment to honour, cherish, and support each other through all seasons of life.

As mature couples, you stand at the threshold of a new and exciting chapter in your marriage journey. Embrace this season of renewal and rediscovery with faith as your guide and love as your compass. Draw strength from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, and let it inspire you to cultivate a marriage that reflects the depth of God's love for His children. May your union be a testament to His grace, and may you continue to grow together in love, joy, and purpose for many years to come.

Prayer Request for Young Adults Camp | 1-3rd March

Join us in praying for our Young Adults Camp this weekend.  We are praying for safety for travel and activities, for genuine life-changing God encounters, for strengthened connections, and for the opportunity to forge new friendships.

>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<

Sunday Service | 3rd March | 10:00am

Navigating the Seasons of Marriage
We are finishing our sermon series Harmony of the Heart with Rekindling Romance, which aims to guide us through the various seasons of marriage, providing biblical principles and practical insights to strengthen relationships at every stage. Come along to hear guest speakers Graeme and Julia Cann.

>>>LIVE STREAM YouTube<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 3rd March | 10:00am

This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Woman at the Well | John 4:1-30
5 to 12-year-olds | Live in Peace with Everyone | Romans 12:18

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 adult 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].

>>>KIDS CHURCH<<<

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 3rd March | 5:45pm

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. Time: 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.

>>>MEN'S PRAYER GROUP<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 4th March | 6:00pm

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 to 2: 6pm – 7:15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 to 6: 7pm – 8:30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm

>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 5th March | 7:30pm

The Mental Health Support Gatherings are a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. 

These Gatherings cater for people who may benefit from mental health support, their friends and family and carers.  This is a safe place to be heard and to share life's challenges, make friendships and have hope restored. 

In addition, the Gatherings also provide tools to assist people in dealing with life and, on occasion, have specialist speakers addressing relevant topics. 

You are not alone. 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.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 13th March | 1:30pm

Nathan Holland will share up-to-date information with us from the Open Doors Ministry, which exists to strengthen the persecuted Church worldwide. A FREEWILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Partners Gathering | Sunday 24th March | 12:30pm

We’re having a Partners Gathering and we want YOU to join us! Get ready to have the time of your life as we come together to share, celebrate, and build stronger relationships!

We’ve got an action-packed program planned. From inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.

So mark your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you at our Partners Gathering.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Xtreme Character Challenge | Men | 21st-24th March

An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild.  This is NOT a Church Men’s Camp. The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; for 72 hours, men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual input moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.

Details:

  • Date: 21st – 24th March 2024
  • Where: Scenic Rim, Queensland

All participants will be screened to ensure they are up for the challenge. Please note that a full refund will be provided if you are not eligible to participate.

* This event is independently organised by 4MAUS. 

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 17th April | 7:00pm

The Marriage Course is for married couse who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some 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 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….
>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor