Table of Contents
Living with integrity in Babylon
Wednesday 11th June 2025
Integrity is often thought of as a moral standard—doing the right thing when no one is watching. But for the Christian, integrity is not simply about behaviour. It is the natural outflow of a life anchored in Christ, shaped by intimacy with God, and compelled by love. It is not a product of human willpower, but of spiritual transformation.
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ‘
Galatians 5:22-25 NIV
Our journey toward integrity begins with identity. As we explored previously, in Christ, we are given a new name, a new status, and a new future. We are not defined by the expectations of the culture, but by the reality of our adoption into God’s family. Until we know who we are, we will always live divided, trying to please others or prove ourselves. But once our identity is secured in Christ, we are free to live whole and undivided lives.
That identity leads us into intimacy. Knowing God isn’t just theological—it’s deeply relational. The more we walk with Him, the more we become like Him. Time in God’s presence softens our hearts, shapes our decisions, and tunes our desires to His. As we commune with the living God through prayer, worship, and obedience, the Spirit rewrites our inner life. Integrity becomes possible because the fractured pieces of our lives are drawn together in Him.
And from that intimacy flows integrity.
“Integrity comes when the inner life and outer life are aligned.”
In other words, we become the same person in public and in private; not by striving harder, but by living more honestly before God. A person of integrity is someone whose life tells the truth about the God they love.
This is what the world is hungry for—authentic Christians who live with the quiet strength of truthfulness, humility, and consistency. Not perfect people, but whole people. People whose character points beyond themselves to the One who is remaking them.
So, how do we cultivate this kind of integrity?
- Stay rooted in identity: Remind yourself daily that you are God’s beloved. You are not identified by your work, your mistakes, or your status—you are His.
- Pursue intimacy: Set aside time to be with God, not to perform for Him, but to be formed by Him.
- Practice integrity: In the small decisions, in unseen moments, and in how you speak, spend, and serve—let the truth of Christ shape your choices.
This is the Spirit’s work in us: a holy progression from identity to intimacy to integrity. It’s not instant, but it’s certain. And as we walk this journey together, may our lives become living proof of the gospel we proclaim.
Join the Car Park Team – Be His presence in the car park!
DO you love Jesus? Do you love people? Then YOU are exactly who we’re looking for! We’re building a team of friendly faces to be the first “hello” and the first blessing people experience when they arrive. Because guess what? Ministry starts in the car park!
Whether you’re pointing out a perfect spot, giving a high-five (or low-wave), or just spreading God’s love — YOU can make a difference in someone’s day before they even step inside the building.
So come on – bring your smile, your energy, and your heart to serve. Fill out the Volunteer ‘Welcome Team’ application form here, hop in, buckle up and join the Car Park Team today!
Cafe | New Open Hours
At Berwick, we deeply value every opportunity for people to encounter Jesus and be present in our Sunday services. To help create a space where everyone can fully engage in our services, our cafe orders will be closing 15 minutes before each service. This means the cafe won’t be taking orders after 8:45am for the 9:00am service and 10:45am for the 11:00am service. We encourage you to grab your coffee early and join us in the auditorium as we gather to seek and encounter Jesus together.
Sunday Service | Building In Babylon - INTEGRITY | Sunday 15th June 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
You’re invited to join us as we continue our series, “Building…in Babylon!”
In a world that often feels chaotic and increasingly secular, how do we build faith, hope, and resilience?
Over the course of seven powerful weeks, we’re diving deep into God’s Word, uncovering timeless truths and practical wisdom that equip us to thrive — even in today’s “Babylon.”
From navigating the dynamics of Manhood and Womanhood to understanding the Foundation of Family, Identity, and Intimacy, this series tackles relevant topics that shape our everyday lives. We’ll also explore the Holy Spirit’s power during Pentecost and the unwavering importance of integrity as we live out our faith in a challenging world.
“…Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… for I know the plans I have for you…” – Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Don’t miss this transformative journey as we boldly navigate the challenges of living as believers in a secular world. Together, let’s build faith and strength in the face of adversity. Join us for “Building…in Babylon!”.
Kids Church | Discover How To Love Like Jesus | Sunday 15th June 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Jesus feeds 5,000 | Matt 14:14-21; Phil 2:4
5 to 12-year-olds | Look Out for One Another / Jesus Heals on the Sabbath | Philippians 2:4 (Supporting: Luke 6:6-11)
Y&Y Service | Sunday 15th June 2025 | 5:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable night at our Youth & Young Adults Service!
We’re so excited to have Ken Rayment bringing a powerful and timely message. Ken has a heart for this generation and a gift for speaking truth in a way that connects and inspires. You won’t want to miss what he has to share!
Stick around after for a BYO dinner! Bring your own food, hang out, and connect with friends old and new. It’s going to be an awesome time of community and conversation! Bring a friend, come hungry (for both the Word and some dinner), and get ready for a great night!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 15th June | 5:45 pm
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 16th June 2025 | 6:00pm
Be part of the action! 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
Water Baptism Class | Monday 16th June 2025 | 7:00pm
Water Baptism is the complete immersion in water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour.
This is an important step in our faith journey. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved…” Mark 16: 16. If you are not water baptised, please find out more by attending this special class. Book now.
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 17th June | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together, presenting prayer requests for our church and community while enjoying great fellowship. We meet every Tuesday morning 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.
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 22nd June 2025 | 1:00pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of our Church. You will meet leadership and we will unpack how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 25th June 2025 | 1:30pm
Colours of the Bible
Do colours in the Bible mean anything? Let’s find out together! This is a chance to wear as many colours as possible – There will be a prize for the outfit that has the most colours! Photos will be taken!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for afternoon tea for everyone to share
Next Alpha Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha. All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
“Who is Jesus?”
“How can we have faith?”
“Why and how do I pray?”
“How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything, and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and respectful environment.
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
