The Days of Daniel…all over again…and again!
My name is Abraham Peter John Botha…! My parents never could explain exactly why they’ve chosen to complicate every enrolment form, call-outs at school, or the oh-so-embarrassing family photo sessions (where all of the APJ’s of the family has to line up and have their heads knuckle-rubbed by the patriarch who first adorned this triple trialled identity).
Growing up a decision was made to simplify my name and Abraham became Braam (aBRAhAM). Now you know…! As I grew up I acquired nicknames derived from references to my unique physique all the way through to my best/worst achievements. My christened names all reference biblical characters as do many of Christianized society when they name children. But actually…the name I am most proud of is the name that describes who I truly am. I find this name in one of my favourite letters in the Bible: Phil 1:1
‘Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus’
Philippians 1:1 NIV
In essence that’s who I am as a Christian…a servant of Christ. Whether at church, school, university, TAFE, work, home…I lay aside all titles and crowns at His feet as His name is the highest honour to bare. So do you…don’t you?
Names follow us, don’t they. Or…do we follow them?
Culture can ascribe an identity to you that causes your subconscious mind to nurture you into that identity. Simon in the bible knew this reality. Until Jesus redeemed him and realigned his identity. Saul of Tarshish knew this. Until Jesus redeemed him and realigned his identity. Jacob experienced it. Until God redeemed him and realigned his identity. Daniel got a triple dose of it when he was taken into exile to Babylon and the secular environment tried to misalign him:
- He received the name of a demonic overlord Belteshazzar. In short he was changed from “God is my judge” to “Protect the life of the king (re. Nebuchadnezzar)”
- He was given an intensive education in pagan life
- He was restrained from professional progress should he not toe the line
A name can be such a powerful expression of identity and ability…but it can also hinder and hide potential. It is with this in mind that as elders and board we have on several occasions wrestled with our name as we grow from being a regionally identified church to embracing a broader vision:
to be a movement representing Jesus Christ >>>
transforming lives and communities through the power of the gospel. >>>
In this wrestling we discovered:
- The “broader church” has been losing relevance over the past few years and it’s time to reinvigorate our vision, purpose and mission.
- ‘Berwick Church of Christ’ as a name doesn’t accurately represent our movement’s vision or give insight as to what we’re about as a whole. It’s more of a descriptor, rather than explaining how we serve people.
- We want a name that resonates beyond just our internal community. We want to have an outward focus.
This is a processed bathed in prayer and discussion. Please join us in prayer as we discern next steps to be taken in this. Through the coming season we will keep you up to date on how we go as a movement and this process of growing into a new name. Let’s keep what has made this church such a wonderful expression of Christ while we reach outward to be His presence in every place.
Fuse Youth | Is back with a splash!
FUSE Youth we are back tonight!! We are kicking things off with Splash: All In! Yes there will be a GIANT WATER SLIDE. Yes there will be a massive MUD PIT. Yes you will get very wet and muddy. Yes you should wear old clothes and yes you will need a change of clothes and a towel. We are planning to persist despite lots of rain on the forecast, but please be aware we will move inside if conditions get dangerous. See you then! $5, 7-9.30pm @BCOC. For more details visit our website.
Cafe | Come early and stay for a cuppa
Come early or stay after our Sunday service to enjoy community, connection and conversation at our fantastic cafe.
Kids Church | Too much of a good thing
This week at Kids Church…
PREP – GRADE 6 | Self Control
As we follow Jesus, His love transforms us. We can welcome the Holy Spirit to help us develop self-control and make wise choices | 2 Peter 1: 3a
WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus teaches me important things
House on the Rock | Matthew 7: 24-25
Watch Sunday 9am on our Kids Church website. Click ‘Watch’ on our Latest Kids Experience.
Vision Sunday | Free sausage sizzle
We have an exciting service celebrating our vision. Come along and enjoy a free sausage sizzle after the service.
This Sunday is our first Vision Sunday for the year and it is going to be a fantastic service focusing on the year ahead and finishing off with a free sausage sizzle. Spread the word and invite your family and friends!
Food Pantry | Feeding the hungry
Berwick Church of Christ Food Pantry supports our local residents in Casey needing crisis support.
We understand how a sudden crisis can affect you. That is why we have been supporting individuals and families like you since 2012.
Our clients are referred to the Berwick Church of Christ Food Pantry by external agencies, church members, word of mouth or alternatively by a direct approach.
If you need support, please contact us and we can answer any questions you have. Contact Berwick Church of Christ.
Alpha Course | Starts Wednesday
The world's most popular introductory course to Christianity, please bring a friend who has questions about God and Faith. Meal, video and discussion. The course runs for 10 weeks. Please book via our website – Cost $10 for the meal for the first night only. Book on our website.
Young Adults | Summer Camp
Registrations are closing January 30th so don’t miss out! Book your spot for a weekend full of water sports, hiking, evening services and great food!
New Partners Class | Sunday 6th February 2022
If you want to become a Partner, we require you to attend a New Partners Class. Partners must be 16 years or older. Lunch will be provided (Subway). A gluten-free option will be available. For more details, please visit our website to book.
Life Groups | Are back
Where did the last 2 years go? I'm really hoping that we are at the tail end of COVID19. It's great to be able to hang out with church people again. The Faithbook encourages us to prioritise meeting together…
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Our life group community is going to start meeting again in Term 1 and we encourage you, especially if you are not in a life group, to join one or host one. And community, deep community, can really only be achieved when small groups of people gather together.
GTM 1 | Starts Tuesday 8th February
The Intro session is an opportunity for anyone to come find out about this life changing Discipleship Course. The course itself begins the following Tuesday with a meal at 7pm at Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.
GTM 2 | Starts Wednesday 9th February
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. There may be options for some to join online if participating in person is not possible. Venue: Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
