The Christ-ian way in the world

Friday 16th June 2023

Too many evangelical Christians are irresponsible escapists. Fellowship with one another is more congenial than service in the world’s hostile environment.

John Stott

Society is broken in so many ways. We need to be able to recognize the fact that we as followers of Christ have not been raptured or relocated after our regeneration. We, in fact have been left in this broken society. But, we have not been left alone in this society:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:15-18

The frustration brought about by the brokenness in society is actually part of a way bigger brokenness caused by the fracture in the relationship between Adam and the Creator. The whole of creation suffers under the side-effects of a creation led out of order by the Creator’s representative – Adam:

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope, we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Rom. 8:22-25 NIV

You may have to read this scripture a few times in order to understand it…even theologians still wrestle with it! In short, it says something new is being born…a new creation! But we live in-between the broken and the new…and that is why:

with this hope before us and the Spirit within us, we can live with patience amid brokenness!
We are however not just called to endure, but to influence:

For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it. For the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Rom 8: 20-21 NIV

We are a message of hope to all of creation…let’s shine!

Sunday Service | The Body Of Christ 2

The body of Christ is “the Christ…embodied”. What does Christ mean? What does body mean in this context? It is way more than a humanitarian organisation or a religious institution. It gives Christ a body in which He can move and act as He establishes a Kingdom on earth that is known for the righteousness, peace and joy it carries. In this two week series, we’ll discover what the movement called the body of Christ is.

Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe? We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 18th June

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Peter visits Cornelius | Acts 10
5 to 12-year-olds | Walk right in| Acts 10

Partners Gathering | Sunday 18th June

This is a partners only gathering where we will:

galvanise our unity before Christ as head of our movement
communicate important information on the state of the movement
share with our partners information about future developments
celebrate key breakthroughs in our movement
build a stronger sense of community and relationship as partners
create an opportunity to foster healthy communication

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Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 18th June

We will be having a fantastic guest speaker, Senior Pastor Braam Botha who was born in Tshwane in South Africa and has many years of ministry experience. He is married to his wife Sonja and been a youth and young adults pastor for 18 years. They have three young adults in their home. He is currently serving as Senior Pastor at BCOC. He desires to see youth and young adults influence today’s church for the sake of tomorrow’s Kingdom impact on our communities. Make sure you are there to hear what Pastor Braam has to say, and stick around for a meal and some fellowship afterwards! 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 18th June

The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.

Boys Brigade | Monday 19th June

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

>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 20th June

The Mental Health Support Gatherings is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity. The gathering runs from 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

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Baptism Celebration | Sunday 25th June

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.

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Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 28th June

Captain Anne Hill will share with us her experiences as a Chaplain serving at Employment Plus. A freewill offering will be taken. The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

GTM 1 Course | Tuesday 11th 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

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Search To Find Course | Tuesday 18th July

Is there a better option for life? Experience connection, hope, and purpose. Come along to an initial meal and Introductory Talk, ‘Is it True?’ You then decide if you would like to continue the search.

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GTM 2 Course | Tuesday 18th July

GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed the first unit.

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Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 19th July

The Marriage Course is for couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, 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.