Table of Contents
The Art of Receiving in the Pursuit of Being a Good Neighbour
Wednesday 14th August 2024
When reflecting on how to be a good neighbour, we often focus on giving our time, resources, and support. However, the art of receiving is equally essential and profoundly biblical. Jesus teaches us that receiving from others is an act of humility and community building, and it can be a powerful demonstration of love and trust.
Biblical Perspective
Scripture reminds us of the importance of receiving. In Matthew 10:40-42 (NIV), Jesus says,
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Here, Jesus emphasises the reciprocal nature of hospitality and care.
Additionally, in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42, NIV), Mary exemplifies the art of receiving as she sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Jesus affirms her choice, saying,
“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This passage highlights that sometimes, receiving—whether it’s wisdom, comfort, or material help—is our most important role.
Contemporary Insights
In “The Art of Neighbouring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door,” Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon stress the importance of both giving and receiving in fostering genuine relationships with our neighbours. They argue that allowing others to help us can break down barriers and create a sense of mutual dependence and community.
Furthermore, in “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the necessity of receiving is underlined as a vital part of Christian fellowship. Bonhoeffer notes that accepting help from others expresses our vulnerability and humanity, strengthening the bonds within the community of believers.
Practical Application
To be a good neighbour we need to practice the art of receiving with grace and gratitude. When a neighbour offers assistance, whether it’s a listening ear, a shared meal, or practical help, accept it as a gift of love. This not only honours the giver but also fosters deeper connections.
Reflect on ways you can be open to receiving in your daily life. It might be as simple as allowing a neighbour to help with a task you’d usually do yourself or accepting an invitation for coffee. These small acts of receiving can build trust and mutual respect.
In conclusion, embracing the art of receiving is vital to being a good neighbour. It aligns with Jesus’ teachings and strengthens the fabric of our communities, creating a space where love, support, and genuine relationships can flourish.
Serve Your City | Volunteering Opportunities
At Berwick Church of Christ, we encourage everyone to Follow Christ, Love People, Serve their City, and Grow Faith Communities. We want to invite you to prayerfully consider serving your city in one of the following three ways. We look forward to helping you go and be His presence in these places.
Do you have a heart for refugees? We are looking for mentors to support eligible people from a refugee background through the COACH Community Mentoring Program located in the Dandenong/Casey region.
What is COACH Mentoring?
Coach Mentoring assists refugees who are seeking to become economically independent.
Each mentee’s goals are identified before being matched with a suitable mentor.
Typically, mentors and mentee’s meet once a week, for an hour and this relationship would continues for a period of 12 months.
Mentors are allocated a COACH Coordinator as a contact point to support them throughout this mentoring relationship.
Our mentoring program suits people with a heart to come alongside and support refugees as they settle in Melbourne. Mentors undergo training and screening checks, before being matched with a participant. The purpose of the mentoring relationship is to be a “friend with purpose”, to support them as they work towards achieving their identified goals, such as education, employment and making community connections.
If you have questions, or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to send an email to refugees@coachnetwork.org with your contact details.
As a Kids COACH Mentor, you can help children learn positive social skills, have fun, reach their goals, and build resilience. Come alongside a child at school to offer practical help and be a positive role model for one hour a week, for a minimum of 12 months. This opportunity is in partnership with Crossway South East, with an initial commitment of one day of in-person training and an online module. (10 volunteers for Term 3, 2024).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Would you like to empower primary-aged students to implement positive change in their lives? As a REBOOT program volunteer, you can help upper primary school students (grades 5 and 6) learn about wellbeing through fun games and activities during lunchtime. The wellbeing topics covered are Self-Esteem, Perceived Control, Optimism, Personal Relationships, and Achieving in Life, which are delivered in an actionable format. (5 volunteers for Term 1, 2025 training to be confirmed).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Sunday Service | 18th August | The Art of Receiving | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
We continue our churchwide series called the “Art of Neighbouring” where we will unpack the second half of the Great Commandment, “Love your neighbour”. Join us as we dive deep into what it looks like to transform the world by simply becoming a good neighbour.
Kids Church | Sunday 18th August | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | God knows everything about me | Psalm 139:1-4; Matthew 10:30
5 to 12-year-olds | Much needed advice – Rehoboam listens to unwise counsel | 2 Chronicles 10 (supporting: Proverbs 13:20)
Y&Y Service | Josh Hawkins | Sunday 18th August | 5:30 pm
Josh (or Hi Josh) is a pastor-turned social media comedian. He grew up at a church in North-West Sydney, decided to do a Bachelor of Theology for 3 years and became the Young Adult Pastor at his church. Initially, social media was a hobby of Josh’s, but in 2015 a couple of videos went viral which started to grow his online following. After 5 years of full-time ministry, his social media following had grown to a point where he was able to follow his passion and became a full-time content creator. Now, with over 2 million followers, he is best known for his Google Review and lip-reading videos. He is also a dad of two who lives in Adelaide and attends a local church with his family. Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 18th August | 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 19th August | 7:30 pm
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
Graeme Cann Book Launch | Thursday 22nd August | 1:00 pm
Graeme and Julia have worked together to develop Graeme’s seventh published book. “WALKING in the LIGHT at MIDNIGHT” weaves together the experiences and words of biblical figures such as David and Job and the stories of six people who, between them, have experienced physical, mental and psychological pain. Come along for a great time where we will hear Graeme talk about his latest book.
- Date: Thursday 22nd August 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Cost: Free
- Light refreshments provided
Graeme’s book can be purchased by bank transfer or cash. $20 hardback or $15 paperback.
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 25th August | 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.
Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 25th August | 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 Steps Lunch.
The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 25th August, 8th and 15th September 2024) where you will have the opportunity to get connected, learn more about our church movement and discover your potential, whilst enjoying a delicious meal.
The lunches are especially relevant to Newcomers but if you’ve been an attender, a volunteer, or 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 lunch has a different focus. And did I mention that it’s free?
Details:
- Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Room: 1
- Cost: Free
- RSVP: Thursday, 22nd August 2024
For more details, please email info@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 27th August | 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 28th August | 1:30 pm
Join us for a communion service led by Pastors Graeme Cann and Ian Edwards.
Writers Group | Saturday 7th September | 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!
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Commencing Tuesday 17th September 2024 | 7:00pm
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha”. It is the perfect next step 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
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant workbooks
- DVD’s
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Alpha Course | Commencing Wednesday 18th September 2024 | 7:00pm
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore the meaning of life and faith.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha. All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
“Who is Jesus?”
“How can we have faith?”
“Why and how do I pray?”
“How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything, and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and respectful environment.
Come along and enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment where everyone’s opinion and experiences are validated.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 8th October 2024 | 7:00 pm
GTM 2 is aimed at developing levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is available for those who have completed GTM 1.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Growing To Maturity (GTM 3) Course | Commencing Tuesday 8th October 2024 | 7:00 pm
GTM 3 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience. GTM 3 includes a powerful weekend retreat with God! Please note, GTM 3 is only available for participants who have completed GTM 1 & GTM 2.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
Weekly inspiring audio talks - Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
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.
From the Governance Committee
This month we have reviewed the following policies:
1. Alcohol, Smoking & Drug Policy – This policy has been revised.
- Please be aware that alcohol is not to be consumed or brought onto the Church property by anyone or at any Church event held offsite.
- The Church is a smoke-free environment. Smoking or e-cigarettes (vaping) are not permitted anywhere on or in the Church premises, workplaces or whilst driving a vehicle/vessel as an official Driver, including Official Church Events whether onsite or offsite.
- The possession of illicit drugs or equipment related to the use, manufacture, or purchase/sale of illegal drugs at the Church, an Official Church Event, a Church sponsored or related function, while on the premises, or whilst driving a vehicle/vessel under the Transport Safety Policy, will be grounds for immediate dismissal.
2. Staff Leave Policy – This policy has been reviewed in line with the National Employment Standards and applies to Staff only.
3. WHS Consultation Procedure – The Church is committed to sharing information with staff and volunteers, giving everyone an opportunity to express their views or raise issues and contribute to the Church’s decision-making process. This procedure outlines the consultation process for all WHS policies and procedures and applies to all staff, volunteers and includes contractors, work experience / placements and interns.
Staff, contractors, and volunteers are responsible for ensuring they have read, understood, and have agreed to comply with all the Church policies. All our policies are located on the church website – www.berwickchurch.org.au/policies.
We encourage questions or feedback about any of our policies, simply email policies@bcoc.com.au or contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office (9702 1011) should you wish to have a chat.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
