Table of Contents
Missions… in our immediate community
Wednesday 25th June 2025
At the heart of the gospel is not just the promise of a personal relationship with Jesus, but the bold announcement that, in Christ, new creation has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus’ resurrection was not merely about life after death—it was the launch of God’s new world, breaking into the old. The Church exists as the Spirit-filled body through which this new creation takes root in the real, painful, and complex places of our world.
The gospel is not just good news for the individual soul, but for every aspect of human life. It confronts brokenness and offers healing, not in abstraction, but in the middle of life’s mess—what we might call the “pain points” of our time.
This is our mission: not to retreat from the world’s pain, but to embody Christ’s healing presence within it. Four areas stand out as key battlegrounds where the Church is uniquely called to usher in new creation:
Mental Health
In a time of increasing anxiety, depression, and isolation, the Church must be a place of presence, compassion, and profound hope. God affirms the value of embodied life and emotional wholeness. Our care for mental health—through prayer, Christian counselling, professional support, community, and open dialogue—is part of our participation in Christ’s renewing work.
Minors
Children are not just the Church of tomorrow—they are central to the Kingdom today. Jesus welcomed children as models of Kingdom receptivity (Mark 10:14). We must invest in safe, nurturing environments where they encounter love, truth, and a sense of identity in Christ. Spiritual formation begins early, and the Church has a calling to be a countercultural voice affirming the worth and purpose of every child.
Migrants
God has always called His people to love the foreigner and the displaced. In a world marked by division, the Church must be a sign of the reconciliation made possible in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-22). The Church is the “multiethnic family promised to Abraham”—and we fulfil this when we create space for migrants to find belonging, dignity, and opportunity among us.
Marriage & Family
In a culture of relational fragility, the Church must model covenant faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace. Marriage is a living parable of Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5). Strengthening marriages and families is not just pastoral care—it’s missional work, showcasing God’s design for flourishing community.
Let us continue being His presence in every place, especially in the areas of pain. There, the light of new creation shines brightest.
Care Visits Team
Our Life Groups at Berwick Church of Christ are the main avenues of love and care for our church community. But not everyone is in a Life Group yet – and sometimes people have needs beyond their Life Group’s capacity. This is where our Care Visits Team step in to assist. We would love to expand this wonderful team, so if you feel that you have the skills, gifts, and capacity to visit people and offer care, please use the Care Visit Team form or contact Sue Nicholls (suen@bcoc.com.au) to find out more.
Sunday Service | Baptism - a break from your past | Sunday 29th June 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
If you have been considering getting Water Baptised, Sunday is your day! We will be having spontaneous baptisms, so come prepared (bring a towel and a change of clothes). It’s going to be a faith-filled day for the whole church family—don’t miss it!
Kids Church | Discover How To Love Like Jesus | Sunday 29th June 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Peter and Cornelius | Acts 10; Romans 15:7
5 to 12-year-olds | Accept One Another / Peter and Cornelius | Romans 15:7 (Supporting: Acts 10)
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 29th 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 30th 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
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 1st July | 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 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 for a time of great fellowship and connection.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Kids Church Update | Oodie Fun Day! | Sunday 6th July 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
As Term 2 comes to an end, we’re excited to finish the term with a special celebration! On Sunday, 6th July, we’ll be having a Fun Oodie Day at Kids Church. All kids are invited to come along in their favourite Oodies, hoddies or hooded blankets.
It’s going to be a relaxed and fun-filled morning with games, activities, and a time of thanking God for the great term we have enjoyed together.
Kids Church will then take a short break over the school holidays. We hope all our families enjoy a restful, safe, and joyful holiday season.
Term 3 commences on Sunday, 27th July! We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for more exciting adventures as we learn and grow in faith together.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 9th July 2025 | 1:30pm
Not Useless…Mystery Case Files
Gary Lewis will present a fun afternoon of games to stretch our brains. He will also share from his book “I’m not Useless…I am Onesimus!” We will be meeting in Room 1.
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
Writers Group | Saturday 12th July 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—are you looking for a creative outlet to showcase your writing talents and connect with fellow literary enthusiasts? We are thrilled to invite you to join our Writers Group, where your words will come to life in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, or anything in between, we welcome all writing styles and genres. So come join us and, ignite your passion for writing! Together, we will inspire one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
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.
The Pre-Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
The Pre-Marriage Course is a 5-week program designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build a strong biblical foundation for their future together. Key topics such as Communication, Conflict, Commitment, Connection, and Adventure.
Start building your future together with intentionality by signing up today.
- Leaders: Tim & Leola Moore-Coulson
- Cost: $60 per couple, which includes a couple’s guide, coffee or tea, and nibbles
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
