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The better way to start the new year!
Wednesday 31st December 2025
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge something sacred that has been happening among us: prayer has been awakening new life in our church. In living rooms, in cars, in early-morning devotions, in quiet tears, and in whispered hopes, God has been moving—reshaping hearts, restoring relationships, opening doors, and renewing courage. We have seen God’s hand at work in ways that are gentle yet unmistakable.
Let me remind you that prayer is not escapism; it is participation. When we pray, we step into the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom breaking into the present. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, tuning our spirits to the frequency of His renewal. Every prayer—whether clumsy or confident, whispered or wept—is a sign that we believe Jesus is truly King and that His Kingdom is truly coming on earth as it is in heaven.
You see, prayer is not primarily about getting things from God but about getting God Himself. It draws us into intimacy, reshapes our desires, confronts our fears, and forms a deeper trust in the grace of Christ. And as many of you have shared testimonies this year—of breakthrough, of healing, of restored strength, of unexpected favour—we have witnessed what happens when God’s people pray. Something shifts. Something opens. Something begins.
As we enter a new year, I want to invite you—no matter where you find yourself spiritually—to begin the year prayerfully. Before you rush into your goals, your plans, or your resolutions, take time to place the year before the Lord. Surrender the uncertainties. Bring Him your hopes. Lay down the burdens of the year gone by. Invite His presence into every place of your life—your family, your work, your heart, your relationships, your calling.
Because prayer doesn’t just prepare us for the year; prayer shapes the year. It grounds us in the truth that we are not alone, not directionless, not powerless. The God who came near at Christmas walks with us into every moment of the year ahead.
My prayer for you is simple:
May this new year be marked by God’s presence, God’s peace, and God’s strength.
And may prayer be the doorway through which you step into all He has prepared for you.
Happy New Year, BCOC.
Let’s begin it on our knees—and walk it with hope.
Office Hours | Christmas Holidays
The church office will be closed from 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, and will reopen at 9:00am on Friday, 2 January 2026.
During this time enjoy the Christmas break with family and friends. May this season be filled with joy, peace, and meaningful moments together. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.
Breakthrough into 2026 Evening | Wednesday 31st December 2025 | 7:00pm - 9:30pm
This New Year’s Eve, don’t just count down the clock—consecrate the year.
Join us for a powerful, reflective evening of worship, prayer, and renewal as we:
- Let go of what no longer serves God’s purposes
- Receive His grace and mercy
- Step into 2026 with clarity, hope, and direction
This is a safe, Spirit-led space to close one chapter and open another—together.
Worship | Prayer | Reflection | Communion
Berwick Church of Christ
New Year’s Eve: 7pm-9:30pm
Come expectant. Leave renewed.
NB: Parents, you are most welcome to take your toddlers into the creche. (Birth – 2 yrs) during the evening. To keep our kids safe, children must be supervised by a parent or carer (18+) at all times. Many thanks.
Kids Church | ONLINE ONLY | Sunday 4th January 2026
This week Kids Church will be online only.
2 to 4-year-olds | Young Jesus | Luke 2:41-52
5 to 12-year-olds | Jesus at the Temple | Luke 2:41-52
Sunday Services Return | Sunday 4th January 2026 | 9am & 11am
Welcome to 2026 and our new series, In the Beginning.
As we step into a new year, Graeme Cann will explore what it really means to be “a new creation.”
We will unpack questions like:
- Is it just a theological term or does it really speak of us being completely transformed by the Holy Spirit?
- Is the transformation at our rebirth complete, or is it the beginning of our growth into Spiritual maturity?
- If becoming a new creation involves a process, what does the process of seeking ongoing transformation look like?
Start 2026 by discovering what it truly means to live as a new creation, renewed, restored, and continually transformed in Christ.
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.
Kids Church Returns | Sunday 25th January 2026 | 9am & 11am
Kids Church is on summer break and returns with a Summer Fun Day on Sunday 25th January – another great outreach opportunity for family and friends.
Alpha Course Commencing | Tuesday 3rd February 2026
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
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 @ 2:00 pm - 22 February 2026 @ 12:00 pm
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!
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1 & 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 28th April 2026 | 7:00 pm
GTM1 is the ideal follow-on course to 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
GTM2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth 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
Join us! Book now and find the truth.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
