How to remove darkness…in our world

How to remove darkness…in our world

Darkness, according to most dictionaries, is the absence of light. In a metaphorical sense, it has a creepy undertone that has fascinated mankind from the beginning of creation. It carries with it the notion of uncertainty, unpredictability, danger, and sometimes even evil.

Within the understanding of man, it also resembles the absence of God’s work:

'Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. '

Genesis 1:2-3 NIV

When God becomes involved…the end of the reign of darkness has come! That is such good news as many people groups have created a figment of a god in their imagination that is duplicitous in his nature: He brings both good and evil with him. This is however not how the Scriptures reveals God:

'This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. '

1 John 1:5 NIV

When God reveals himself through the Son, who is the fullness of God bodily, the following is said about it:

'In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. '

John 1:4-5 NIV

The reality of the conflict between darkness and light runs throughout all scripture and at its climax becomes personified in Christ’s victory over the darkness on the Cross. How magnificent is His salvation of us…it is not just a pathway out of eternal damnation…but a highway to victory over the darkness! As we are in Christ we are now in the light of the world!

' In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. '

1 John 4:17-19 NIV

What would it mean to be loving…in this world? I believe there is four basic values of this kind of love:

  • Being welcoming, friendly and inclusive. Helping people to belong among us
  • Extending care and kindness as we express our purpose to serve like Christ
  • Modelling humility through our belief that God is ultimately in control of all
  • Radiating hope and purpose as we represent Christ as a light in the darkness

By keeping these values we will truly be a force to reckon with. Let’s shine His light as we point every conversation towards love…as God is love. Let’s resist the temptation to fall into divisive and contentious topics and be the light in the darkness!!!

Governance Committee | Update

At BCOC we value your safety and security as a partner in our movement. In a rapidly changing world, we consistently work at keeping our policies relevant to the challenges of our day. The Governance Committee (a committee established by the Elders to look at policy and compliance requirements) has been actively reviewing and establishing policies to help the Church fulfil all its legal obligations.  This year, we have introduced the Staff Leave Policy and updated all the Staff Contracts, established the Performance and Misconduct Policy and Procedures, and introduced the Working at Heights Policy. We have reviewed the Risk Management Policy, Volunteer Recruitment Policy, Alcohol & Drug Policy, and are currently reviewing the Privacy Policy, Transport Safety Policy, and Driver’s Declaration Form, and will review the Police Check Policy next month.

We are also working on developing a Care Giving Policy and an Overseas Activities Policy to assist with meeting the ACNC External Conduct Standards, and are currently updating our Code of Conduct and creating a new Code of Conduct for Under 16-year-olds.

We were only able to run one Safe Church Awareness Workshop this year due to the lockdown and are currently investigating the possibility of online training as an alternative.

We had hoped to have developed and finalised an Emergency Management Plan and run Emergency Response Training this year but due to the lockdown, this was not possible.

All of our policies are located at www.berwickchurch.org.au/policies.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the above, please feel free to contact Karen Fletcher on [email protected] or 0438886337.

Life Group | Hosts gather

Psalm 133:1 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

Last Saturday, our life group hosts gathered together to hear some great tips from Glenise Dedrick, Victorian Head of Chaplaincy Australia, on how to care for ourselves and others in this season. It was an amazing time of learning and fellowship and it was so good to be able to get the hosts together even if it's over Zoom since people clearly missed seeing each other.  The event was also attended by our youngest life group leader, Grace Nicholas, at 2 months old.

All things going well, we’ll get to spend more time with Glenise next year and learn about practical ways to care pastorally. Below is a photo of the event with lockdown hair!

Interested in joining a life group? Click here 

Garden | Calling all gardeners

Calling all gardeners!  Do you live within 15min of the church? Do you like to spend your exercise time outside? Do you have a wheelbarrow, shovel, and some spare time?  If you answered yes to these questions we would love to have you come and spread some mulch from the recent tree removal, we have just had done.  To avoid crowding and to receive some instructions please let Melinda know when you plan to be on the church property.  Phone 97021011 or email [email protected]

Auditorium | New air conditioners!

We recently had the auditorium air conditioners replaced with 8 brand new larger units and some increased vents for greater airflow. Excited we were able to invest in this upgrade to the facility.  

Fuse Youth | Friday 15th October

This week on FUSE TV (Live at 7pm) Zack and Laura battle it out in the “Water Battle” Challenge. Oh… and of course the loser gets dunked in water!

Then we will be hearing from one of our amazing youth leaders, Jordan, as he kicks off our new series ‘Resilience’!

A special note for our new Grade 6s – You’re are invited to a GRADE 6 ONLY ZOOM where we have a whole lotta fun planned from 8-8.45pm!

Watch at 7pm on Fuse TV and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kids Church | Sunday 17th October

This week on Kids Church TV at 9am an explosive fight erupts between Elfie the Elephant and his Step-Dad. Elfie hides in his room and cries on his bed. When he calms down he picks up his iPhone and calls his friend Gazza, the only person he can truly trust, and asks him for help.

Everyone needs a friend like Gazza, and maybe we can be that trusted friend when our friends are in need? Included in the teaching video are an ‘Activation Prayer’ and an ‘Activation Exercise’ for the kids to immediately apply this week’s teaching.

Watch Sunday 9am on Kids Church TV. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow!

Sunday Service | Resilience #3

Life is a journey and sometimes that journey isn't always sunshine and butterflies. How can we regain resilience when the storms and challenges around us intensify? We look at a powerful passage that holds the key to being resilient when the going gets tough. Watch live stream on YouTube and Facebook.

Forge Young Adults service | Sunday 17th October

Y&Y are back this Sunday online. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further details.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 


BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor