Friday 8th July 2022

Every single organisation/business/entity has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We see how the new normal starts to set in and while doing that, try to assess what has been lost and what has been gained through it. I hear how some people benefitted from working from home and rediscovering new ways of doing things. I also hear of people who developed anxiety and even health challenges through it. The spectrum of changes endured is so wide that it beckoned me to ask the very important question:

There can be no doubt that every one of us needs to ask ourselves this question, and then answer it with a very high commitment to accurate self-awareness. Contending with your answer to that question is as important.

Before you do that, I would like to refer you to three statements in scripture that will help approach this from God’s perspective:

'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. '

Romans 8:28 NIV

• God’s purpose overcomes problems! No challenge you face will threaten God’s beautiful work in and purpose for your life. There’s a reason for being.

'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. '
Genesis 50:20 NIV

• As in Joseph’s life, God will turn the test you are in, and become a testimony that accomplishes Kingdom advancement. Your trial will become another’s triumph.

'Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. '

3 John 1:2 NIV

• Your inner strength developed and forged through the past season can be a wellspring of wellness. Inside you is a source of life – the Holy Spirit. He can work out health and vitality that come from a different source than your circumstances.

When you are deeply connected to these three truths and you approach your introspection on the past season, you will be able to deeply connect to your “Good, good father” from the perspective that you can take back some lost ground over the past season.

So, how has Covid impacted you? How has God turned your test into a testimony? My prayer is that you would be able to find the answer to that question as your story may encourage someone on a very deep level.  That’s why we would love to share your story. We have three mechanisms by which your story can become someone else's inspiration:

1. Tell us about your story using the “Your Story” cards available on a Sunday
2. Go to our website on the following link and tell us your story: Link here
3. Email your testimony to us at [email protected]

Team To Deaf School | 18th September 2022

Have you ever thought about serving overseas?

Has God laid on your heart to serve the underprivileged?

Well, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so!

Stuart McKerihan is organising to take a team to a deaf school in Ligao Philippines, to help out with maintenance and encourage staff and students with the love of Christ.

Details:

• Where: Fisherman for Christ Learning Centre, Ligao, Philippines.
• When: September 18 to September 30th 2022
• Cost: Approximately $2400-$2500 all inclusive. Meals, accommodation, flights, and transfers.
• Contact: Stuart McKerihan 0403 423 887 or [email protected]

Make a difference in someone's life! Be His presence in every place.

Your Story | Coming into the light

For the majority of my life, I walked this earth full of confidence and bravado. I became the center of attention and by doing so, I was seeking the attention of the opposite sex and seeking validation. I had to be better, more successful. This led to almost a decade of living in sin. Hiding in the darkness. I tried to stop but, I chose not to. I became shallow of my former self. My pride and ego got in the way of a lot of things in my life, especially underlying issues I was dealing with which I thought were non-existent because I had this “I’m a man mentally” and us men don’t talk about what’s really going on underneath the surface. Along the way, I have caused hurt and pain to the people I love the most, my wife, my children, and my parents as I am their only son. I was physically present but mentally distant. I have put my family through the most stressful and challenging time in our life. I was completely lost in this world, not knowing who I am or who I am supposed to be.

I feel like Lazarus. My spiritual soul died now I am coming out into the light. Being baptized in Christianity is the first step for personal growth to be a better husband, a better father, and a better human being as I walk out of the darkness and into the light with God.

We love to hear inspirational stories about how individual lives have been changed! If you would like to share 'Your Story', please email: [email protected] and inspire others!

Kids Church | Sunday 10th July

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 6 | Goodness vibrations

City on a hill | Matthew 5:14-16

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus can help me to show God’s goodness

City on a hill | Matthew 5:14-16

Sunday Service | At Home – Learning

Woke or Awake?

In a world that is polarised with extreme differences of opinion as to what is truth, what is love, and who or what cause we should live for – it is time to hear from one who is an authority on these topics.

This is not just a typical message – you will experience and feel something from the very heart of one who walked closest to Jesus on this earth…

I encourage anyone you know who is under 30 years of age to come and experience this Sunday! Invite them, bring them, shout them a coffee, sit with them – ideally as close to the front as possible. You don’t want to miss this!

Pastor Ken Rayment – alias John

If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.

Boys Brigade | Monday 11th July

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

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 13th July

Our Seniors Ministry will learn more about this country that is presently in conflict with Russia. A freewill offering will be taken for those in the conflict in Ukraine.

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

GTM 1 Chinese | Friday 15th July

GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect for those who:

• are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
• want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
• desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way

Discussions will be in Chinese and videos will be presented in English. Grow your relationship with God. Book now.

Y&Y Service | Sunday 17th July

Youth and young adults and young at heart get ready for a time of worship, an inspiring word and enjoy a meal together. Form new friendships with like-minded youth and young adults in a safe, caring, yet challenging environment. You can discover your true value, find your purpose and fulfil your potential. Join us!

Details:

• Date: Sunday 17^th July
• Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
• BYO: Meal

Search To Find Berwick | Tuesday 19th July

It is so easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the voices and messaging that surround us. Those voices often promote conflicting ideas and options for life, leaving the receiver feeling manipulated and used for someone else’s end.

Cut through all the noise, by exploring in a safe environment what is real and what is true, when it comes to spiritual reality, faith, and God. Book now.

GTM 1 | Tuesday 19th July

GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect for those who:

• are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
• want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
• desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way

Grow your relationship with God. Book now.

Search To Find Clyde | Wednesday 20th July

It is so easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the voices and messaging that surround us. Those voices often promote conflicting ideas and options for life, leaving the receiver feeling manipulated and used for someone else’s end.

Cut through all the noise, by exploring in a safe environment what is real and what is true, when it comes to spiritual reality, faith, and God. Book now.

Exploring Partnership | Sunday 24th July

You may have been attending our events or even become part of a close-knit group of people in our community. We would love for you to consider taking up a partnership with us in fulfilling God’s call on our movement. Exploring Partnership is an important step in discovering how you can fit into Berwick Church of Christ. It is an orientation towards what makes us unique and how we function as a community. You will get to know the leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.

Details:

• Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
• BOOK HERE

Small Group Ministry Day Conference | Saturday 30th July

If you are a current small group leader, a budding leader, or interested in becoming a leader of small groups of people/teams then this conference is for you. You are invited to the Small Group Ministry Day Conference where we will learn from Pastors from Saddleback Church. They are travelling from the US to Melbourne, especially minister to us and the wider church in Australia. The event aims to equip and inspire Small Group leaders as we come out of the COVID19 season.

Details:

• What: Small Group Ministry Day Conference
• Who: Life Group Hosts
• When: 9am-3pm Saturday, 30th July
• Where: Church, 446 Centre Road, Berwick
• Cost: $50 with lunch
• BOOK HERE

Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 31st July

The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (31 July, 7 August, 14 August) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, and discover your potential whilst enjoying a delicious meal. It's also an opportunity to meet and spend some time with the pastors. The lunches are relevant to newcomers and long time attendees alike. So, if you have not been to a Next Step Lunch before or have not experienced Berwick Church hospitality, then we encourage you to register.

The expectation is that people who book will attend all 3 lunches as each luncheon has a different focus. And did we mention that it’s free?

Details:

• What: Next Steps Lunch (Term 3)  
• When: 12:30-2:30, 31st July, 7th August and 14th August
• Where: Church, 446 Centre Road, Berwick (Room 1)
• Cost: Free
• BOOK HERE

Men’s Night | Sunday 7th August

Essendon Football Clubs chaplain Mark Purser, is in his sixth season after serving the Adelaide Crows in the same role for 5 seasons where he dealt with the deaths of two prominent coaches at the Crows within a 15 month period. Join us as Mark shares how being resilient can help you reach your goals. Bring your mates!

Make sure to wear your favourite footy colours!

Details:

• Date: Sunday 7th August
• Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, room 1
• Age: 16+
• Cost: $10
• Included: BBQ, drink & roaring fire
• BOOK HERE

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor