Table of Contents
Wednesday 4th March 2026
Living Inside God’s Larger Story
One of the most freeing truths in Scripture is this:
We do not own our lives — we steward them.
From the opening pages of Genesis, humanity is entrusted with responsibility. Not possession. Not control. Entrustment. Creation itself is given to us as a gift to cultivate, not consume. The Christian life is participation in God’s new creation project. We are not spectators waiting for heaven — we are stewards entrusted with reflecting heaven into earth.
Stewardship, then, is not primarily about money.
It is about trust.
Jesus spoke about money with striking frequency — not because He needed it, but because He understood what it reveals. Money is never just currency; it is a spiritual diagnostic. It shows us where we look for security, identity, and hope.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
That is not a threat. It is an invitation.
The question underneath Christian stewardship is not, “How much must I give?” It is, “Who do I trust with my future?”
In our cultural moment, money promises safety. It whispers control. It offers the illusion of independence. Yet many who have more than previous generations feel no more secure. The anxiety remains. The pressure increases. The treadmill never slows.
But the Kingdom of God operates differently.
The Apostle Paul describes generosity not as obligation, but as participation — participation in grace. John Stott once wrote that giving is an act of worship because it declares that our confidence rests not in accumulated resources, but in a faithful God.
That changes everything.
When we understand that all we have is entrusted to us — time, influence, relationships, finances — stewardship becomes less about duty and more about alignment. We begin to ask, “Does my life reflect the story I say I believe?”
When we place God first in our finances, something shifts internally. Control loosens. Gratitude grows. Fear softens. Generosity becomes less an event and more a posture.
And here is the paradox:
When we hold tightly, anxiety increases.
When we release wisely, trust deepens.
The early church was known not for wealth accumulation, but for radical generosity rooted in resurrection hope. They believed the future was secure because Christ was risen. Therefore, they could live open-handed.
That same invitation stands before us.
Stewardship is simply this:
Living today as though God is trustworthy tomorrow.
As we continue to grow as a church, may our generosity reflect not compulsion, but confidence. Not guilt, but gratitude. Not pressure, but participation in something far larger than ourselves.
Because in the end, God is not after our money.
He is after our hearts.
And where our hearts are aligned with Him, generosity will always follow.
Invitation for Eldership Nominations – Due 9 March 2026
As Partners of Berwick Church of Christ, we share in the responsibility of discerning spiritual leadership for our congregation. In accordance with our Constitution, the Board has determined the process for receiving nominations for Eldership (Rule 11.1)
We now invite Partners to prayerfully nominate individuals whom you believe demonstrate the biblical qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–10 and Titus 1:5–9.
Constitutional Process
Under Rule 11 of the Constitution:
- The Board determines the nomination process and considers all nominations (Rule 11.1–11.2).
- The Board will prayerfully assess eligibility according to Scriptural qualifications and other relevant matters (Rule 10; Rule 11.2).
- If the Board affirms a nomination, appointment of a Partner as an Elder requires:
o A two-thirds majority vote of the Board, and
o Confirmation by a two-thirds majority vote of Partners at a General Meeting by secret ballot (Rule 11.3(a).
This careful and prayerful process ensures both spiritual discernment and constitutional integrity.
Before You Nominate
Please ensure that:
- You have personally spoken with the nominee.
- They are willing to be nominated.
- You have prayerfully discussed the “Eldership Nomination Form” with the nominee.
- Submit the form via the link below and the completed form will be sent to elders@bcoc.com.au.
The Elders Nomination – Affirmation Form has been designed to assist Partners in reflecting on the biblical and pastoral nature of elders.
Submission Deadline
All nominations must be submitted no later than:
Monday, 9 March 2026
Click here to submit the form.
Eldership is not a positional honour, but a sacred calling of shepherding, spiritual oversight, and servant-hearted leadership under Christ, the Chief Shepherd. We encourage you to approach this season with prayer, humility, and attentiveness to the Spirit’s leading.
Grace and peace,
Braam
On behalf of the Board of Elders
A New Rhythm & A New Conversation
Over the past few years, our weekly communique has been a steady touchpoint for encouragement, clarity, information and alignment. I am grateful for the way many of you have leaned in, reflected, and allowed those words to shape your discipleship journey.
As we step into this next season, we are moving to a monthly communique rhythm rather than weekly.
This shift is intentional.
We want our communication to feel spacious, thoughtful, and formative. A monthly rhythm allows us to speak with depth rather than urgency. It gives room for reflection. Room for prayer. Room for integration.
In a world saturated with noise, more words are not always better. Sometimes wisdom grows in slower soil.
Thank you for embracing this new rhythm with us.
Sunday Services | 8th March 2026 | 9am & 11am
Come along and experience our powerful new series called Encounter.
For centuries, lives have been transformed by a single encounter with Jesus, from Nicodemus in secrecy, to Levi at the tax table, to the woman at the well, and countless men and women ever since. Those who truly encounter Jesus experience remarkable, radical and enduring change.
In this series, we’ll step into these unforgettable Gospel moments and discover how an encounter with Jesus transforms our deepest longings, confronts our hardest questions, and ignites unshakeable hope. We’ll see the beauty, goodness, and truth of who Jesus is, and how His life and teachings continue to bring real, lasting transformation today.
As we connect through Scripture, we will be inspired to share with others what God is doing in our own story and to carry His presence into every place we go.
Over seven weeks, we’ll journey through these powerful encounters together during the 9:00am and 11:00am services.
Come expectant.
Come ready.
Come and encounter Jesus.
Kids Church | Sunday 8th March 2026 | 9am & 11am
This week Kids Church:
2 to 4-year-olds | Coin in the mouth of a fish | Matthew 17:24-27
5 to 12-year-olds | A Roman Commander Has Faith | Matthew 8:5-13
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 8th March 2026 | 5.30pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Boys Brigade | Monday 9th March 2026 | From 6:00pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced God’s Kingdom in the lives of 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
Come join us and be part of this ministry that gives boys godly direction, hope and a foundation in Christ.
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 10th March | 6:30am
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is around the church property and is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer.
We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us. If you haven’t joined us before please message 0419 277 500 by 8.00pm on Monday evening so we can keep you updated of any changes to the plans.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 11th March 2026 | 1:00pm
Compassion in Action
We’re honoured to hear from Orange Sky, an incredible Australia-wide organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Learn how something as simple as a clean shirt, a warm shower, and a listening ear can restore dignity and hope and be inspired by the power of kindness and community.
All Seniors are warmly invited and we’d love you to join us, bring a friend, and be part of these special gatherings.
Women’s Gatherings | 20th – 29th March 2026
Something special is happening and you’re invited!
Between 20th – 29th March, women from BCOC are gathering in various small groups to:
- Build meaningful connections
- Grow together in our discipleship journey
- Enjoy genuine community in a warm, relaxed setting
- Have lots of fun and meet new people
Spots are limited, so click Book Now to register for one gathering that suits your availability and interests.
Whether you’re new to the church or already well connected, there’s a place for you. You’re also very welcome to invite a friend or neighbour to register with you.
Water Baptism Class | Monday 23rd March 2026 | 7:00pm
Are you ready to dive into the incredible journey of faith and celebration?
We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Baptism Class – a dynamic, soul-stirring experience that’s sure to ignite your spirit.
Get ready to embark on a transformative voyage as we explore the profound significance of baptism.
Whether you’re new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this class is designed just for you!
Baptism Class: Monday 23rd March | 7:00pm
Baptism Services: Sunday 5th April | 9:00am & 11:00am
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
