Table of Contents
Proclaiming the Gospel in a Pressured World
Wednesday 29th October 2025
In every generation, believers have faced the temptation to silence the gospel for the sake of comfort or cultural acceptance. But Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
The gospel is not advice; it is an announcement — that God in Christ has done for humanity what we could never do for ourselves. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes believers as “jars of clay” carrying divine treasure. We may be fragile, but the message is not. Our weakness only amplifies His strength.
To proclaim the gospel is to invite others into the life we’ve received. It’s not coercion; it’s compassion. The world doesn’t need louder condemnation; it needs clearer invitation. We proclaim with gentleness and courage, trusting the Spirit to open hearts.
In our workplaces, homes, and communities, proclamation doesn’t always mean preaching — it means representing Christ faithfully. Every conversation soaked in grace, every act of mercy, every word of truth is a proclamation that Jesus reigns.
Imagine a church that doesn’t shrink back but steps forward — where people speak naturally about the hope within them. That’s how revival begins. This week, pray for one opportunity to share the gospel — not as a duty, but as a delight. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, and that is the power that overcomes the world!
T-Shirt Giveaway Alert | Grab Yours Now!
We’re spreading the message to Be His Presence in Every Place and now you can wear it proudly!
Grab your FREE “Be His Presence in Every Place” T-shirt and help share the heart of our mission wherever you go.
Pick yours up from The Desk this Sunday!
But hurry, sizes and stock are limited!
Let’s wear it, live it, and be His presence everywhere we go.
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.
Bring Christmas to Life for Local Families in Crisis | Donate
As Christmas approaches, many of us look forward to laughter around the table, the joy of giving, and the warmth of being together.
But for some families in our local community, this season can be one of deep stress and uncertainty, wondering if there will be food on the table at all.
Bringing Christmas to Life is our way of changing that story.
We provide Christmas Food Hampers for families connected through the Food Pantry, who are doing it tough and struggling to make ends meet. This includes single parents, grandparents caring for children, and individuals facing unexpected hardship.
A simple hamper may seem small, but to someone in crisis, it means the world. It’s an expression of God’s love; and an action of unexpected kindness that brings hope.
This year, the need is greater than ever. Your generosity can help us fill each hamper with practical essentials and festive treats that bring smiles and relief to Food Pantry clients when it’s needed most.
Together, we can make sure every family we reach experiences the true heart of Christmas: love, kindness, and hope.
Thank you for helping us share the joy of Christmas with those who need it most and be His presence in every place.
Donations can be made:
- The Desk (Sundays 8:30am–1:00pm), Cash or EFTPOS
- Reception (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm), Cash or EFTPOS
Operation Christmas Child | Thank You!
This year, our church came together in an incredible way for Operation Christmas Child, and the results are truly heartwarming! We packed and sent 107 shoeboxes filled with gifts, love, and hope to children around the world. Thank you for your generosity! We were also able to contribute $600 in donations to support shipping and ministry efforts.
These boxes are now on their way to Ukraine, Cambodia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines, carrying the message of God’s love and joy to children who will soon open them with excitement and wonder. Every box represents more than just gifts. It’s a reminder that Jesus knows every child and even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference.
From all of us, thank you for being part of this beautiful expression of generosity and care to children we will never meet. Our way of being His presence in these nations.
Night of Light | Friday 31st October 2025 | 7:00pm
“On Friday evening, 31st October 2025, while many celebrate darkness, we invite you to an evening of prayer and power, A Night of Light!
While the world turns to fear and fantasy, we turn to faith and truth. In a world filled with brokenness, pain, and anxiety, we gather to remember that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Join us for 90 minutes of worship, Scripture, prayer, communion, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we behold Christ, the Light of the World, and recommit to shining His hope into our city.
- Date: Friday 31st October
- Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Venue: Berwick Church of Christ Auditorium
Come expectant. Leave radiant.
Sunday Service | 9:00am & 11:00am
We were never meant to live empty or ordinary lives. God has placed His Very Spirit within us, a treasure in jars of clay, so that His presence can flow through us into every place.
In this new series, Carriers of His Presence, we will explore what it means to be filled with the Spirit of Christ, to live as His body, and to carry His love, peace, and power wherever we go.
Together, we will rediscover who we are, what we’re called to, and how the presence of Jesus transforms everything, from our homes to our workplaces, and beyond.
Come be refreshed, filled and inspired to live as a Carrier of His Presence in every place.
Kids Church | Sunday 2nd November 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz | Ruth 1-2
5 to 12-year-olds | Elijah and the Prophets of Baal | 1 Kings 18:16-45
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 2nd November | 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 November 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 4th November | 6:30am
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is around the church property and 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.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us. If you haven’t joined us before please message 0419 277 500 by 8.00pm on Monday evening so we can keep you updated of any changes to the plans.
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 9th November | 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 the Church. You will meet leadership and we will talk about 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.
Christmas Carol Services | Sunday 7th December | 9am & 11am
This Christmas, you’re invited to discover the greatest invitation God gives us. “The Inn-vitation” is a reflective and hope-filled carols service that tells the story of God’s love, from creation to the manger, and into our lives today.
Through Scripture, song, and story, we’ll remember that Jesus didn’t just come to a stable long ago, He is alive and living in and among us. He is still inviting us to make room for Him now. Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate the good news of Emmanuel, God with us.
- 📌 Berwick Church of Christ
- 📍 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- 📅 Sunday 7th December 2025
- 🕘 9:00am & 11:00am services
- 💬 Invite family and friends!
Family Camping Weekend or Day Out | 20 February 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 22 February 2026 @ 12:00 pm
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 or use this interactive map 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!
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
