Table of Contents
Our newfound freedom
Wednesday 29th May 2024
In the words of the apostle Paul,
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
(Galatians 5:1)
In this powerful verse lies a truth which echoes through the ages, and resonates with theological insights of scripture. For Christ Followers, the essence of Paul’s message is not merely a call to personal liberation but a revolutionary invitation to participate in the grand narrative of God’s redemption of all creation.
Paul’s proclamation of freedom in Christ is not just about the release from individual sins or guilt, though that is undoubtedly part of it. It is about embracing a new way of being, a new reality where the chains of legalism, fear, and oppression are shattered. We emphasise that this freedom is not a license to indulge in selfish desires but an empowerment to live out God’s kingdom values of love, justice, and reconciliation.
To live in this freedom is to embody the essence of our identity as children of God. It’s a call to stand tall, unshackled by the world’s expectations, unafraid to walk the path of righteousness and truth. It’s an invitation to reject the false promises of materialism, power, and prestige and to instead embrace the abundant life found in surrender to Christ.
But standing firm in this freedom is not always easy. The forces of darkness and the temptations of the flesh constantly seek to ensnare us again in bondage. Yet, as Paul reminds us, we are not left to fight this battle alone. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within us, empowering us to resist and overcome.
So let us heed the call of Galatians 5:1. Let us embrace the freedom that Christ has won for us, not as a distant dream but as a present reality. Let us stand firm in this freedom, living daily as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, shining beacons of light in a world desperate for hope and redemption.
SYG baking needed
Do you love to bake? If so, we would love some of your home-baked treats for the youth and young adults coming with us to State Youth Games (June 7-10). If you are able to bake a tray or two of cookies, muffins etc, please contact Sue Nicholls ([email protected] or 0403 822 324). Our young (and not so young) people camp in chilly conditions and yummy food is what keeps them going and helps them feel loved!!
Overcoming Offence - Forgive Others | Sunday 2nd June | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Join us this Sunday for the second part of our two-week series focused on being “Unoffendable”. During this series, we’ll learn how choosing not to take offence has the power to free us from the burden of anger and resentment, and to position us to flourish – living a life of love and compassion.
Kids Church | Sunday 2nd June | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | I can live for 2 to 4-year-olds | Story of the Lost Sheep | Luke 15:1-7
5 to 12-year-olds | Lost and Founds | Luke 15: 1-7
Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 2nd June | 1:00 pm
As a movement, it’s important for us to get to know each other better and take the next steps in our journey of faith. To this end, we want to invite you to the next … Next Steps Lunch.
The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 2nd, 16th and 23rd of June 2024) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, and discover your potential whilst enjoying a delicious meal.
The lunches are especially relevant to Newcomers but if you’ve been an attendee, a volunteer, or a partner and you have never been to a Next Step Lunch before, then we encourage you to register.
The expectation is that people who book will attend all 3 lunches as each gathering has a different focus. And did I mention that it’s free?
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 2nd 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 3rd June | From 6:00 pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys. We provide a Christian community that supports boys and young men and assists in their Christian growth, physical development, and leadership training while teaching life skills. Come along and be part of the action!
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7:15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8:30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 11th June | 7:30 pm
Mental Health Support Gatherings cater for people who may benefit from mental health support. This may be personally or to assist a friend, family member or carer. This is a safe place to be heard, to share life’s challenges, make friendships and have hope restored. Remember, you are not alone.
In addition, the Gatherings also provide tools to assist people in dealing with life challenges and, on occasion, have specialist speakers addressing relevant topics. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are held on Tuesdays fortnightly during the School Terms from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. If you’re interested in coming along please click the ‘Book Now’ link below and choose: Special Interest Group: Mental Health Support Gatherings. For more information please contact the Church Office 03 9702 1011. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 12th June | 1:30 pm
Fiona Grech will share about her work with this organisation who work in Rwanda, Eswatini, Sri Lanka and India. Their goal is to see things “made right, where poverty and brokenness exist.”
Writers Group | Saturday 15th June | 9:00 am
Aspiring writers, 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 community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, 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 each other to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as writers. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of something truly special.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Y&Y Service | Sunday 16th June | 5:30 pm
Hey, Youth and Young Adults! Our next Y&Y service is on the 16th of June!!! Special guest speaker Rowan Hendrickse is coming to share what is on his heart in relation to the YA space, so make sure you are there and bring your friends!
Rowan moved to Warrnambool at the age of 17 to study nursing at Deakin. While in Warrnambool, Rowan gave his heart to the Lord and met his amazing wife, Sharna, whom he eventually married and now has three children. After nursing for 13 years, he followed a prompt to step into ministry, which has sent him to be a chaplain and serve at Winepress Church for the last 15 years. Rowan is passionate about revealing Jesus to people who don’t know that Jesus is passionate about them!
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Baptism Class | Monday 17th June | 7:00 pm
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour.
However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings.
Complete the expression of interest form if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
Partners Gathering | Sunday 23rd June | 1:00 pm
We’re having a Partners Gathering, and we want YOU to join us! Partners Gatherings are a significant time for us to connect, celebrate, build stronger relationships and to pray together.
We’ve got an action-packed program planned. From inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.
So mark your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you at our Partners Gathering.
Baptism | Sunday 7th July | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour.
However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings.
Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
