A lack of focus and its consequential division can turn the most talented, experienced and motivated group of individuals into an under average team! The importance of focus is highlighted by the Apostle Paul in the restoration work that needed to be done in the church in Corinth:

‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ‘

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

Unfortunately Christianity in general has made the mistake of confusing unity with uniformity. We bought into the lie that we should have doctrinal/philosophical/strategic uniformity before we can work together for the purposes of God. A fearful world battling with dark circumstances looks from the ‘outside’ and ask this question: Will The Church ever get over her internal squabbles and serve us in our hour of need? This is one of the reasons I am so proud to be associated with Berwick Church of Christ: We have created a community that serves her city in so many ways:

• We serve by growing a faith-based community (onsite and online)
• We serve through a playgroup that reaches out into our neighbourhoods
• We serve by making food available to those in need through the Food Pantry
• We serve our city’s mental health through the Living Springs Counselling Centre
• We serve the young men of our community through the Boys Brigade

We have so many opportunities in this season to be His Presence In So Many Places!

You can hardly find a better expression of Christ’s mission than when we serve like He did:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” ‘

Luke 4:18-19 NIV

One of the most beautiful things taking place during Covid is that the “independence syndrome” between churches and denominations were unmasked! These days we not only see churches within a denomination take hands and pursue God’s purposes, but we see local churches across denominational boundaries take hands. Some of them going so far as to plant churches in partnership with one another across denominational lines. We also see how denominations share assets for the sake of Christ’s mission to fill everything in every way!

All of these missional initiatives requires teamwork: between denominations, between, local churches, between ministries and between individuals. What an exciting time we live in!  Thank you for arming your mindset with a bias towards Kingdom Unity by serving as a Christ Follower. Even though our avenues of serving in the usual way has been impaired by Covid-19 regulations, I still see and hear the amazing empathy we as Christ’s servants create a new kind of community – a community where Christ’s love is present in every place. Let’s focus…let’s be missional!

Quiet Hero’s | Food Pantry team

Our generous Food Pantry team bless our local community every Tuesday with not only food to feed their families, but a caring heart and a listening ear. Thank you! Without your support, we could not be His presence in our community. Here are some personal thank you messages.

“To all food pantry team, may our Lord Jesus Christ fill your shopping bag just the same you always fill for others every Tuesdays.”

“Thanks to all the people working on the food pantry. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.”

“Yay food pantry team, you do a great job.”

“The Food Pantry people are awesome I don’t know where I would be without the beautiful people there. Rhonda, Cheryl and many others have been such a blessing to me and I will be forever grateful”

Father’s Day | Winners

What a fantastic celebration honouring Father’s and Father figures in our lives. Congratulations to John Goh, Matt Kimpton and Rajiv Gruswamy winning our Father’s Day competition. Your voucher will be sent out in the mail so keep an eye out for the postie!

Fuse Youth | Spotify playlist for everyone!

A worship playlist from us to you. Needing a new worship playlist? Here is one we have put together. This lockdown, let’s make time together to sit in His presence and worship our King. Fuse Playlist.

Search To Find | Monday 27th September

These are unprecedented times, where people are looking for answers – why not invite a friend to explore faith, God and spiritual reality from the comfort of their own home. Search will run completely online over ZOOM.

‘Search to Find’ begins with an introductory session, ‘Is it true?’

When it comes to faith, God, and spiritual reality, how do you know what is real and what is true?

• Date: Monday 27th of September
• Time: 7:30pm
• Location: Online Zoom
• Booking: Register you interest

Growing to Maturity | Register your interest

Experience Growth, Freedom, and Confidence!

All 3 units of the Growing to Maturity Course will be starting soon!

If you have never done this life changing course or you have only done part of it, then now there is an option for you.

Register you interest.

Fuse Youth | Friday 17th September

Join us from 7-8pm on Zoom to hangout, play games and chat! The twist? Come dressed as something that starts with the first letter of your name (or if you don’t have anything, bring something that starts with the first letter of your name)!
We look forward to seeing you all then! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the Zoom link.

Kids Church | Sunday 19th September

This week on Berwick Kids TV at 9am we conclude our series on Worship. The kids will discover the importance of having a ‘Yes Heart’ when they worship God, and are encouraged to meet with God as they engage in this week’s Kids’ Church songs.

Sunday Service | Work Is Worship – Team

How to be a team player. We are made for community however sometimes it’s a challenge being part of a team and working with different people, personalities, and priorities. Find out the important principles required so that teamwork makes the dream work! Watch live stream on YouTube and Facebook.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor