Table of Contents
The day the revolution began…
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
A revolution is a fundamental and often rapid change or transformation in a system, structure, or set of beliefs that results in significant and lasting effects. It can occur in various contexts, such as politics, society, technology, culture, or science, and typically involves a complete or radical shift from the existing state to a new one.
Revolutions are often credited with progress and ingenuity. History demonstraites how great good can come from this progress and ingenuity. Many revolutions, however, promise a lot…but soon become unglued as they do not stand the test of time.
I am reminded of the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s when the Post-War Generation who tried their hand at rescripting sexuality away from what history had proven. The historical account of classical cultures confirms this. This revolution has been re-attempted of late, and has now evolved from not just “free love with multiple partners” but to a redefinition of sexual identity. It went from LGB…to LGBT…to LGBTQ…to – you guessed it – LGBTQ+ (soon the alphabet will be exhausted). This has been bolstered by a bunch of corrupt elite with the power of social media.
Revolutions demand a new rule of life—a new order…a new kingdom…if I may. In essence, Jesus Christ did not come to start a revamp of the Jewish religion, but he came to introduce a new kingdom through a Godly revolution!
‘He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
John 3:2-3 NIV
This new kingdom rule is ignited within us when God’s opinion takes up residency in our hearts. It is the transformative news that started when Christ overcame the most extreme expression of man’s will above God’s will—death.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Pet 1:3 NIV
He was the first one to overcome death through a new way of living…a life that could not be extinguished! The good news is that you are invited into this revolutionary life…
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Rom 6:4 NIV
This world does not need a political revolution but a spiritual revolution!
“But how will this spiritual revolution end?” you may ask. The last living Apostle gave us insight into this through a prophetic vision he was given:
‘He (Jesus Christ) seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ‘
Revelation 21:5 NIV
Playgroup | Being His presence to Young Families in our Community
Maybe you have a spare weekday morning?
Maybe you just love young children?
Maybe you are retired or semi-retired and have some time on your hands? (Even if you like to get away for a chunk of the winter, there is still opportunity to join our team).
Maybe you’re a mum or grandma who cares for young children?
Term 4 is a busy term at Playgroup as we prepare for Christmas and we would love to have you join us! Maybe you’d like to come to Playgroup as a participant in Term 4 or as a volunteer?
Why not chat with Sue today? 0403 822 324 or playgroup@bcoc.com.au
Pastoral Care & Life Groups
Pastoral Care
Are you in need of pastoral care? Sue Nicholls is available. Pastoral care is about connection, compassion, and understanding. Sue is dedicated to providing a safe space for you to express your feelings and be encouraged.
Feel free to reach out and contact Sue via email at care@bcoc.com.au.
Life Groups
Do life together and stay connected. No matter what stage of life you’re in, we have a Life Group for you. Life Groups provide the environment where you will build healthy relationships that aid your personal growth, feelings of acceptance, support, and connection within our church and the community.
If you would like to join a Life Group, speak to Arlo van Rhyn, Life Groups Ministry Leader. You can contact Arlo via email at transformed@bcoc.com.au.
Join Our Team at Chairo Christian School!
Chairo Christian School, with vibrant campuses in Drouin, Drouin East, Leongatha, Pakenham, and Traralgon, is dedicated to fostering a Christ-centred education within a supportive Christian community. We believe that employing passionate Christians in all roles is essential to achieving this mission.
With over 350 staff members, we frequently have employment opportunities for qualified and enthusiastic Christians living near any of our campuses. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact in education and share in our vision of seeing Christ’s redemptive influence in the world through our students’ capabilities, character, and commitment, we want to hear from you!
To explore current vacancies and learn more about joining our community, please visit: www.chairo.vic.edu.au/careers.
Become part of a team that is making a difference every day!
Kids Church | Sunday 6th October | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
2 to 4-year-olds | Daniel and the lion’s den | Daniel 6: 1-23
5 to 12-year-olds |Are you ready? Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness | Luke 4: 1-13
Sunday Service | 6th October | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Get ready to join us for our new series, “MythBusters”! We will dive into the world of common spiritual legends, misconceptions and assumptions that many in the Christian community hold as truth. Each week, we’ll unpack a specific myth, explore its origins, and illuminate the powerful biblical truths that counter these misunderstandings. Strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding, and be encouraged with a richer understanding of Scripture. Join us for this adventure!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 6th October | 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 7th October | 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
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Tuesday 8th October 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
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 8th October | 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 Tuesday evening 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 9th October | 1:30 pm
Sarah Johnson (School Chaplain) will share with us about her life in Ireland during “The Troubles” from 1968-1998. She will also speak about her conversion to Christ, and how this impacted family relationships.
Alpha Course | Wednesday 9th October 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.
Writers Group | Saturday 19th October | 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!
Baptism Class | Sunday 20th October | 12:45 pm
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.
Book now if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
Y&Y Service | Pastor Dave Edgar | Sunday 20th October | 5:30 pm
Pastor Dave and his wife, Ailen, are the State Directors of Youth Alive Victoria and have been leading YA Vic since 2016. Dave and Ailen were youth pastors at Faith Church for the better part of a decade and saw incredible fruit from their ministry. Dave brings the skills he learned as a youth pastor into the Youth Alive network and is wholeheartedly committed to equipping, empowering, and encouraging youth pastors to be as effective as possible in their local settings.
Dave is a passionate evangelist. He is articulate and has a powerful testimony of loss, tragedy, and the power of God to bring good from moments of despair. He has a degree in ministry, sound Bible knowledge, and a strong anointing to impart breakthrough faith.
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Child Dedication Q&A | Briefing | Sunday 27th October | 1:00 pm
If you are interested in your child(ren) being dedicated on Sunday November 17th at our 9.00am or 11.00am service, there is a brief but important Q&A and briefing session.
Importantly, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form as soon as possible and upload a photo of your child(ren) being dedicated.
Men's Camp | Xtreme Character Challenge | Thursday 31st October 2024
Men, are you ready for a challenge on 31 Oct – 3 Nov 2024 at the Snowy Mountains, NSW? An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild.
NB: This is NOT a Church Men’s Camp. The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual input moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.
Cost: $450:00
*Note: This event is run independently from Berwick Church of Christ.
Young Families | Camping Weekend | Friday 21st February 2025
Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
Get ready for a weekend of making unforgettable memories! We invite you to join us from February 21st (Friday) to February 23rd (Sunday) 2025, for the Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton. Strengthening the bonds between your family and others is our main priority!
Enjoy crisp, fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom, watch children play around the campsite, enjoy the fantastic free Water Park and paddle in the Warburton River. Warburton has plenty of cafes, and Redwood Forest has fantastic walking and cycling trails and is great fun for photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship.
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is loads of fun (and much easier with a group), but you are welcome to book a cabin if you prefer.
So gather your adventurous spirit, pack your sense of humour, and join us for this amazing weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us!
Please mark your calendars and book soon because our Young Families Camping Weekend awaits and the good sites and cabins go quickly!
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.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
