Friday 25th February 2022

Many of the prophets in the Old Testament used physical objects as mediums to prophesy. There are several references to this in the New Testament as well. The whole of the Tabernacle of Moses was designed in such a way that it conveyed a message from God. In these last days Christ is God’s final (complete) word to mankind:

'In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. '

Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

There is a “God sized void” in the heart of every man I have been told by one of my mentors. I believe “people in transition” – whether relational, generational, seasonal, or geographical transition – have a more intense need for that hole to be filled. Herein lies our opportunity in the outer east of Melbourne: We have heaps of people that are in transition. Their lives are lived in a volatile, uncertain, complicated, and ambiguous reality. An artist by the name of Bruno Catalano sculpted a piece of art called “The immigrant’s void”:

The reality is this void is usually filled with either pain, sin or shame…sometimes even,  a combination of these three factors!

• Pain is the sensation when you experience someth  ing broken. Something opposing your healthy state of being.
• Sin is the experience of engaging in any behaviour that disconnects you from trusting God as your source of truth and life.
• Shame is a sense of being unworthy in the essence of who you are as an individual. A lingering sense of worthlessness and inferiority.

Any transition in life can be an opportunity where Satan and circumstances can attempt to mould your identity into something that is shaped by the pain, sin, and shame you are carrying. That is where our new identity in Christ so powerfully raises us above the challenges we face daily:

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! '

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

This is where the gospel of the Kingdom of God so powerfully transforms us as individuals! Our reference for our identity comes primarily from our new identity in Christ. From this we address the “mental onslaught” of the void inside of man:

'For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. '

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

It is from this freedom in Christ that we act as servants to our city! We posture ourselves as the purveyors of faith in God’s love which restores hope… We shine our light into the dark void brought about by the pain, sin, and shame in our world.

As Christ’s servants, let’s be His presence as we live in a world filled with people who’s got a  “God sized void” they’re looking to fill!!!

iConnect | Growing & planting faith communities

As part of the calling to plant a new Faith Community in the Clyde area, we have just launched the Facebook page iConnect, which functions as a community group or virtual community centre. There are 3 main doors into this community, a Walking Group, the Connect Course, and our monthly Gatherings.

You can really help us gain momentum by doing any of the following 3 things:

1. Pray for the Church plant
2. Follow us on Facebook, Like and share.
3. Invite and bring contacts from the Clyde area to the Walking Group, the online Connect Course or the Gatherings.

Please contact the Church if you would like to know more.

Smiles are back | Masks

We get to see each other's beautiful smiles again! Masks will not be required to be worn indoors at the Church and QR Code check-in requirements are no longer required at places of worship and from 11:59pm on Friday, February 25.  Please feel free to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so.

Fuse Youth | Tonight!

This Friday at Fuse Youth is #RealTalk and we are getting real for a boys/girls night! Get ready for a night of worship, discussion, small groups and food (obviously) as we continue our new series.

Details:

• Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Bring: please bring a mask
• Cost: $5

Kids Church | Jesus heals Bartimaeus

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 6 | Jesus Heals Bartimaeus
Make time to help others | Mark 10:46-52

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | Jesus loves everyone
Do Everything in Love | 1 Corinthians 16:14

Baptism celebration | This Sunday

Come along this Sunday as we celebrate in Baptisms. Individuals who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour! If you are interested in getting baptised, register your interest for our next celebration.

Sunday Service | Minors

One of the demographics hit hardest throughout this past season is that of the minors. It has been especially tough for those transitioning from youth to young adults. As a church, we have been called to be missional individuals within the context of minors. So what does the Bible say about our youth and young adults and how do we minister to and encourage them as they continue to face immense challenges on a day to day basis? Come, listen and watch this Sunday to find out.

If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.

Boys Brigade | Monday 28th February

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

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 9^th March

Our Seniors Ministry will be entertained by Barry as he takes individuals on a stroll down memory lane with music we have enjoyed during our younger years.

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Bring: please bring a platter for everyone to share
• Cost: $2

Fuse Youth Camp | 18^th March 2022

Fuse Youth are going to CYC The Island at Phillip Island on Friday 18th March 2022  – Sunday 20th March 2022. Get pumped for our camp theme “This Is The Day,” beach tribal wars, an extended worship night, beach trips, great teaching and good chats. For more information and to book, visit our website.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor