Table of Contents
Meeting Jesus, Being Transformed
Wednesday 28th January 2026
At the heart of the Christian faith is not an idea, a moral code, or a religious system—it is an encounter. Again and again in the Gospels, people do not merely learn about Jesus; they meet Him. And when they do, nothing remains the same.
As a church, our purpose is simple yet profound: Be His Presence in Every Place. That flows directly from the truth that Jesus still meets people today, still transforms lives, and still sends His people into the world as carriers of His grace, truth, and love.
This upcoming Encounter series invites us to return to those defining moments in the New Testament where ordinary people came face to face with Jesus and experienced profound transformation. These were not polished saints or religious experts. They were the overlooked, the conflicted, the wounded, the curious, and the searching. Yet in meeting Jesus, their stories took a new direction.
Throughout the series, we will be guided through key Gospel encounters—moments of conversation, healing, confrontation, forgiveness, and calling. These encounters are not preserved solely for historical interest. They reveal who Jesus is, how He engages with people, and what happens when heaven breaks into everyday life.
What makes this series especially compelling is that it does not stop in the first century. Alongside the Gospel accounts, we will hear modern-day testimonies from people around the world whose lives have been changed by encountering Jesus. Different cultures. Different stories. The same transforming Christ. These testimonies remind us that Jesus is not distant or abstract—He is alive, active, and still meeting people where they are.
The Encounter series is not about information alone. It is an invitation. An invitation to reflect on our own encounters with Jesus—past, present, and ongoing. For some, it may awaken gratitude for a moment that first changed everything. For others, it may stir a longing to encounter Jesus in a deeper or more personal way. And for all of us, it calls us to consider how our lives bear witness to Him.
When people encounter Jesus, they are not only healed or forgiven—they are sent. Those who met Him in the Gospels became living testimonies of God’s kingdom. In the same way, as we encounter Jesus afresh, we are shaped to be His presence in our homes, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and cities.
As we journey through this series together, our prayer is simple: that we would see Jesus more clearly, respond more faithfully, and live more intentionally as His people. May these stories—ancient and modern—renew our faith, deepen our discipleship, and remind us that the transforming power of meeting Jesus is still at work today.
We invite you to lean in, listen deeply, and open your heart to what God may want to do through Encounter.
Sunday Services | 1st February 2026 | 9am & 11am
Come along and experience our powerful new series called Encounter. We believe it will be life-changing.
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.
Just as we meet in Scripture, you will be inspired to share with others what God is doing in your own story and to carry His presence into every place you 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 1st February 2026 | 9am & 11am
This week Kids Church:
2 to 4-year-olds | Jesus loves the children | Mark 10:13-16
5 to 12-year-olds | Jesus teaches Nicodemus | John 3:1-21
Boys Brigade | Monday 2nd February 2026 | From 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
Prayer & Fellowship Walk
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is taking a break over the holidays and will resume in February.
Please message 0419 277 500 if you’d like to know more.
Alpha Course Commencing | Tuesday 3rd February 2026 | 7:00pm
WHAT IS ALPHA?
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.
The Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 7:00pm
The Marriage Course is for couples who are married or living together and who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some couples attend the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, while 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 is designed for all couples with or without a church background.
The course will help you to:
- Understand each other’s 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 other’s “love language” and much, much more….
Family Camping Weekend or Day Out | 20 February 2026 @ 2:00pm - 22 February @ 12:00pm
It’s on again! Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
We invite you to join us from Friday February 20th to Sunday February 22nd 2026, for the Family Camping Weekend at Warburton. Our main priority is to strengthen the bonds between your family and others.
We’ll enjoy being surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom as we watch children play, enjoy the fantastic free water park and paddle in the Yarra River. The nearby town has plenty of cafes and a Redwood Forest with walking and cycling trails; a great place for fun photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship (please note that campfires and the water park are not available if a Total Fire Ban is declared)
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is always loads of fun, and even better in a group, but you are welcome to book a cabin if you prefer.
Engage your adventurous spirit, pack a sense of humour, and book a site or cabin for this fantastic weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us! We do advise booking soon if possible as cabins and good sites go quickly!
If the whole weekend isn’t an option for you, you are very welcome to bring food etc and join us on Saturday (provided it is not Total Fire Ban), just let one of the organisers know to expect you, and use the ‘Book Now’ button so we have your details and can keep you updated.
When and where is this all happening?
CAMPING Option:
- Date: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February 2026
- Time: Arrive from 2.00 pm Friday, leave by 12.00 pm Sunday, or time of your choosing on Saturday
- Address: Warburton Holiday Park, 30 Woods Point Rd, Warburton, VIC, 3799
DAY Option:
- Date: 21st February
- Time: From 9:00am to 9:00pm or whatever time suits your family
Here’s what to do next!
- Choose your site from the “L”, “F” and “C” sites. You can see where others are camped here, so please add your family to this list after booking.
- Call and book a campsite 5966 2277 or visit the Warburton Holiday Park website to book. A powered site costs $59 per night for two people, plus extra for children (book for Friday and Saturday nights unless you want to stay longer than the rest of us). You can also book a cabin or lodge if that suits you better. Advise the caravan park office or note in the comments section that you are with Berwick Church of Christ. Note that a laptop is easier than a phone when navigating the online booking system.
- Importantly, we need to know that you are coming so we can send communication updates. After booking with Warburton Holiday Park and obtaining a site or cabin number, please REGISTER HERE.
- If you plan to come for the day, please also REGISTER so we can update you and look out for you. We will add campers and day visitors to the WhatsApp chat group for easy communication before and during the weekend.
Shout out if you have any questions
Sue 0403 822 324 or sue@bcoc.com.au
Mikayla 0431 317 332
James 0449 662 512
Amie 0448 762 314
Sarah 0490 016 122
We look forward to seeing you in Warburton whether for the weekend or the day!
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
