Friday 3rd March 2023

The power that brings about the transformation of individuals and communities is something that has been prophesied and proclaimed long before the historical event of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The inciting incident for the nation of Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt was the 10th and final plague – the death of the firstborn son of every household. Unless there was blood applied as commanded by God through Moses:

'Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. '

Exodus 12:21-23 NIV

If you follow this event like you would a shadow,  it is inevitable that you’ll get to the origin casting the shadow – Jesus Christ!

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

This coming Sunday we will look into the depth of the Passover experience and how it relates to Jesus Christ, our saviour. This Sunday we have guest speaker Lawrence Hirsch, director of Celebrate Messiah Australia and a Jewish believer in Jesus. Laurence will share about the celebration of Communion since the Last Supper was a Passover meal. It will impart a deeper appreciation for the intimate connection between the Old and New Testaments, the Torah, and the Gospel, and give a new perspective about Christian’s rich inheritance in the Jewish roots of their faith.

Baptism | Highlight

What a privilege it is to hear the testimonies and witness the baptisms of Casey, Shane, Laksh, Ally, Kiran, and Aiden. We thought the testimonies were all done until young Aiden decided to get baptised as well! They all experienced the goodness of God in their lives and took the next steps in their faith journey. If you want to take the next steps in your faith journey through baptism, then we would like to chat with you. fill out this form and someone will be in touch. Our next baptism will be on Sunday, 12 March so register as soon as you can.

Parking | Solutions

We are so excited with the reality of seeing so many cars in our car park on a Sunday, it reminds me of Fountain Gate at Christmas, cars parking anywhere and everywhere to get into the shops, how wonderful it is to see the same here on Sunday morning.

To create more parking space we will open the gate to the backyard, and we encourage all 4WD owners to park there if they can to allow extra spaces for others. We also encourage families to come in one car if possible and practical, every effort to create space will help.

If you would like to volunteer on the Parking Team, fill out the application form here.

Playgroup | News

Our groups continue to grow and thrive!  We just love to see people connecting with each other – and for some of them playgroup will be the start of their connection with Christ and his Kingdom!  Others are already part of the Kingdom and get to share the joy of connecting with others who are not yet believers.  

Please join us by praying for this ministry – and please get in touch if God prompts you to become part of it as a helper or participant!  Call Sue 0403 822 324 or sign up to volunteer.

Young Families Camping | This Weekend!

The weekend has arrived!  Around 60 people, including families with babies, toddlers, primary school kids and even a few teens, are heading off to Warburton Holiday Park today for a weekend of fun together.

Please pray for great weather, fun and safety for all and for meaningful connections to be made.  Some of those going are connected to the church only through playgroup, and others are quite new to the church.

If you'd like to visit for the day tomorrow you are most welcome.  Bring a picnic and join us for a few hours at the water park, right at the caravan park.  It is helpful if you let someone know you are coming so we can look out for you!  Or contact Sue on 0403 822 324.

Gift Box For Sale | Purchase at the Next Steps desk

How would you like to spoil that special someone? We have some beautiful gift boxes left over from 'Couples Night' for sale. You can purchase the gift boxes at the Next Steps desk for $25 each. 

Fuse Youth | Friday 3rd March

Get ready because this Friday is The Amazing Race! Prepare yourself for an epic race to the final destination where there can only be one winner! 7-9.30pm, $5 @ BCOC.

>>>MORE DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service  | The Rich Meaning Behind Passover

Sunday we have guest speaker Lawrence Hirsch, director of Celebrate Messiah Australia and a Jewish believer in Jesus. Laurence will share about the celebration of Communion since the Last Supper was a Passover meal. It will impart a deeper appreciation for the intimate connection between the Old and New Testaments, the Torah, and the Gospel, and give a new perspective on Christian’s rich inheritance in the Jewish roots of their faith. We look forward to seeing you! If you can't make it, you can catch up on our YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Kids Church  | Sunday 5th March

This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Jesus Prays | Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12
5 to 12-year-olds | A Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet | Luke 7:36-50

Register your child/ren below before attending if you are new

>>>>REGISTER HERE<<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 5th March

Be part of the action Monday night. 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

>>>CHECK OUT BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 7th March

These Gatherings are facilitated by Christians who wish to walk alongside people in their journey, loving and caring for them by providing a safe place to be heard and share life’s challenges together, offering friendship and hope. In addition, the Gatherings will provide tools to assist people in dealing with life, with specialist speakers addressing relevant topics.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 8th March

Lloyd will bring us a musical program with a variety of musical genres. Come, relax, and enjoy! The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Youth Camp 2023 | Friday 17th March

We are going to The Summit on Friday 17th March 2023  – Sunday 19th March 2023. Don't miss out!

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 19th March

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 19th & 26 March and 2nd April 2023 where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement and discover your potential whilst enjoying a delicious meal.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Child Dedication Q&A | Sunday 19th March

If you’re interested in Child Dedication, there is a brief Q&A and briefing session.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 19th March

Sammy Medlin is one of the amazing young adults who is on the leadership team here at FORGE. He has been at Berwick since he was born, and has served in the FUSE youth ministry as well. A sport lover at heart, Sammy is a recent graduate that is working in elite sport for intellectually impaired athletes. He is passionate about seeing people come together and form genuine connections, and cares a lot about seeing this young adult community healthy and thriving. Starts 5.30pm. BYO meal!

>>>MORE DETAILS<<<

Child Dedication Service | Sunday 2nd April

Child dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. You place your child into God’s hands and trust that He will guide you in parenting. Essentially, dedicating your child to God is to declare that you will train your child in the ways of the Lord. There is a Child Dedication Q&A meeting on Sunday 19th March if you would like to know more and book here. 

>>>CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE BOOK NOW<<<

Men's Event | Sunday 2nd April

Christopher was having the time of his life, enjoying every moment of the tandem skydive. Suddenly noticing he passed his daughter at high speed and realised it was because her parachute opened and his didn't! Christopher and his instructor Arron came crashing to the ground, spiralling in an anti-clockwise direction and landing feet first. You are invited to hear Christopher talk about his miraculous survival, paying tribute to Arron who in the final seconds before hitting the ground, cradled a total stranger to protect his passenger.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor