Table of Contents
The beginning of a new creation community
Wednesday 21st January 2026
Acts 2:42–47
In Acts 2, Luke gives us a glimpse into the life of the earliest Christian community. What we see is not a strategy, a program, or a polished institution, but a people being reshaped by the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
This was not devotion driven by obligation, but by shared awe. The gospel had not only changed what they believed—it had transformed how they lived together. What emerged was a prototype community: a living, breathing picture of God’s new creation at work in ordinary human relationships.
The early church became a visible sign to the world around them. Not through power or coercion, but through a radically different way of being human together.
Luke tells us that believers held their possessions loosely and shared with anyone who had need. This was not forced redistribution, nor was it idealistic generosity. It was the practical outworking of a deeper truth: in Christ, debts are forgiven. When people know they have received mercy, they are able to extend it. When shame and fear lose their grip, generosity becomes possible.
We also see that resources were shared. Meals were eaten together. Homes were opened. Life was lived in close proximity. This kind of community required trust, humility, and patience. It meant choosing relationship over convenience and presence over isolation. In a fragmented world, their togetherness became a quiet but compelling testimony.
Perhaps most striking is that reconciliation was possible. These were people from different backgrounds, social standings, and stories, now learning to belong to one another. Conflict did not disappear, but it was held within a larger commitment to unity in Christ. Forgiveness was practised. Restoration was pursued. Love was visible.
This is what the church is called to be—not a retreat from the world, but a signpost pointing toward God’s future; a community that does not deny brokenness but demonstrates what healing can look like. Church is made up of people who make room for one another, not because it is easy, but because Christ has made room for us.
Acts 2 reminds us that the Christian community is not something we manufacture. It is something we receive and steward as we devote ourselves to teaching, prayer, shared life, and the Spirit’s work among us. Growth came not through self-promotion, but through faithfulness. Day by day, God added to their number those who were being saved.
As a church today, we are invited into the same calling. To be a prototype of a new creation. To live in such a way that forgiveness is tangible, generosity is normal, and reconciliation is possible. May our life together continue to point beyond ourselves—to the God who is making all things new.
Sunday Services | 25th January 2026 | 9am & 11am
We’re launching a powerful new series called Encounter, and we believe it will be life-changing.
For centuries, lives have been transformed by a single encounter with Jesus, from Nicodemus in secrecy, to Levi at the tax table, to the woman at the well, and countless men and women ever since. Those who truly encounter Jesus experience remarkable, radical and enduring change.
In this series, we’ll step into these unforgettable Gospel moments and discover how an encounter with Jesus transforms our deepest longings, confronts our hardest questions, and ignites unshakeable hope. We’ll see the beauty, goodness, and truth of who Jesus is, and how His life and teachings continue to bring real, lasting transformation today.
Just like those we meet in Scripture, you will be inspired to share with others what God is doing in your own story and carry His presence into every place you go.
Over seven weeks, we’ll journey through these powerful encounters together. We’re thrilled to begin Encounter with guest speaker Karl Faase from Olive Tree Media, who will launch the series on Sunday, 25 January 2026, at our 9:00am and 11:00am services.
Come expectant.
Come ready.
Come and encounter Jesus.
Kids Church | Sunday 25th January 2026 | 9am & 11am
This week Kids Church we are back onsite!
2 to 4-year-olds | Tabitha and Timothy |Acts 9:36-39; 1 Timothy 4:12
5 to 12-year-olds | Jesus Chooses Matthew | Luke 5:27-32
Prayer & Fellowship Walk
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is taking a break over the holidays and will resume in February.
Please message 0419 277 500 if you’d like to know more.
Alpha Course Commencing | Tuesday 3rd February 2026 | 7:00pm
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
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.
The Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 7:00pm
The seven-week Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married couples attend the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, while others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
The seven-week Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all married couples with or without a church background. The course will help you to:
- Understand each other’s needs
- Communicate more effectively
- Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict
- Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other
- Recognise how your upbringing affects your relationship
- Improve relationships with parents and in-laws
- Develop greater sexual intimacy
- Discover each other’s “love language” and much, much more….
Family Camping Weekend or Day Out | 20 February 2026 @ 2:00pm - 22 February @ 12:00pm
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 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!
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
