Table of Contents
Men Facing Grief in a Shifting Culture
Wednesday 30th April 2025
In today’s culture, grief remains a uniquely difficult terrain for many men. While society encourages authenticity and emotional honesty, there is often still a deep, unspoken expectation for men to “stay strong,” to suppress vulnerability, and to carry sorrow silently.
Many men have been conditioned to see emotions — particularly sadness, fear, or grief — as weaknesses rather than invitations to healing. Men often adopt what is called the “tough guy myth,” believing that real manhood means powering through pain rather than processing it. Yet Scripture paints a different picture. King David, a man after God’s own heart, openly wept, fasted, and cried out to the Lord in grief (Psalm 6:6; 2 Samuel 12:16–20). Jesus himself, the perfect Man, wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), entering fully into human sorrow without shame. True strength is not found in emotional suppression but in allowing grief to drive us into the arms of God.
Christian grieving is distinct — not without sorrow, but filled with hope.
“The Christian story is not one of escape from the world of suffering, but of God’s own presence within it — and ultimate redemption of it.”
(See Romans 8:18–25.)
For men, this means that grief is not something to “man up” and push past. It is a sacred space where God meets us, reshapes us, and prepares us for resurrection life even amid mourning. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13,
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”
The issue is not whether men grieve — it’s how they grieve. Grief anchored in Christ moves from bitterness to redemption, from silence to song, from despair to resilient hope. Modern culture often offers grieving men two false paths: stoic isolation or emotional chaos. The gospel offers a third way: courageous, hope-filled grieving within a community of faith.
Here’s the call: Men, it is not weak to grieve. It is weak to hide from what God can heal. Bring your sorrow before the Lord. Let your brothers walk with you. Let your tears become seeds of new strength, because your Redeemer is near.
In the words of Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
You are not abandoned in your grief. You are being forged into something stronger — not despite your sorrow, but through it.
Alpha Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 30th April 2025 | It's not too late to register!
The 8 week Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married 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 8 week 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….
Register now so you don’t miss out!
Food Pantry | Our Local Community Needs Your Help
Many families in our local community continue to experience financial hardship and our Food Pantry Ministry offers a helping hand to those in need. It is also an avenue for connection and care but we need your help.
Please support the Food Pantry by purchasing an item or two from our shopping list. You can drop off the supplies in the Food Pantry trolly in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
You can give a cash donation at The Desk on Sundays or at the church office during the week. You can also make a direct debit donation.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Thank you for caring.
Sunday Service | How Men Grieve Healthily | Sunday, 4th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
You’re invited to join us this Sunday for “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.”
This Sunday, we will explore a vital yet often overlooked topic: How Men Grieve Healthily.
Modern culture sends mixed messages about manhood and emotion.
Many men struggle silently, unsure how to process pain without losing strength.
But Scripture shows us a better way — a path where real strength is found, not in avoiding grief, but in facing it with hope, courage, and the presence of God.
We’ll look at the life of Daniel, the tears of Jesus, and the hope-filled grieving Paul describes, learning how men can grieve in a way that builds resilience rather than retreat.
This message sets the foundation for the weeks to come as we navigate the dynamics of Womanhood (especially on Mother’s Day).
“…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 transformational journey as we boldly face the challenges of living faithfully in a secular world.
Join us for “Building…in Babylon!” — and come ready to discover how God meets us in our grief to forge new strength for the days ahead.
Kids Church | Term 2 starts - Sunday, 4th May 2025 | Noah's Ark
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Noah’s Ark | Genesis 6:8–9:17
5 to 12-year-olds | God So Loved the World | John 3:16-17
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 4th May | 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 5th May | 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
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 14th May 2025 | 1:30pm
David Cross from an organisation called “ZOE” (greek word meaning life), will speak to us about how ZOE works to free children from sexual slavery throughout Australia.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Y&Y Service | Sunday, 18th May 2025 | 5:30pm
Everyone is welcome to join us for our Y & Y Service. We will be spending some time worshipping and diving into the Word with guest speaker, Brett Ryan.
Brett was a Critical Care Nurse for 15 years before becoming the Children’s Pastor at CityLife Church for 12 years. He has been in his current role as CEO at Focus on the Family since 2013. Brett and his wife Kate have been married for 35 years and have 3 sons, 3 beautiful daughters-in-law and 5 grandchildren.
Brett brings the voice of experience and wise perspective. For many young adults, sexuality can be confusing , frustrating and challenging. You may have asked the question: I’m single, what’s the purpose of sexuality? What if I never get married? Brett will aim to address these questions and discuss relationships, stewarding sexuality, and how to face other issues in a highly sexualised world.
Stick around afterwards for food and fellowship.
Working Bee | Save the date! | Saturday 24th May 2025
Join us for our next Working Bee as we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty to improve the beautiful property we have been blessed with. Prepare for an exciting day of hands-on fun and teamwork.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time volunteer, there’s a place for everyone! Bring your enthusiasm and maybe a friend or two! Stay tuned for more details – a signup sheet is coming soon. Many thanks in advance, we greatly appreciate your support.
Child Dedication Services | Sunday 25th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Child Dedication is simply the act of parents committing their child to the Lord. It is also a time of public declaration that they, with God’s help, will raise their child in the ways of the Lord. NB: Child Dedication is not baby Christaining or Baptism.
The Child Dedication segment is part of our regular service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of the church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we display a photo of your child on the screens so everyone can see (only first names are used).
If you are interested in your child being dedicated, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form, including uploading your child’s photo, by Friday May 16 so we can connect and provide relevant information.
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
