Table of Contents
The Gospel and it’s missional focus
Wednesday 16th July 2025
In 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, Paul offers a glimpse into the shape of his missionary heart:
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.”
This is not a passage about compromise or people-pleasing—it is about strategic love. Paul models a life that is totally redefined by the crucified and risen Messiah, where personal rights are gladly laid down for the sake of others’ salvation. Paul adapts, not because he’s uncertain of who he is, but precisely because he fully knows “whose” he is. His identity in Christ allows him to move freely across cultures, traditions, and social divides—not to blend in, but to build bridges.
Paul’s missional model is deeply incarnational. Just as Christ entered our world—speaking our language, sharing our pain, dying our death—Paul steps into the cultural shoes of those he hopes to reach. This is a model for “contextualization,” where the unchanging gospel is communicated in forms people can truly hear. It’s not about dilution—it’s about access.
This insight is increasingly relevant as missions today have become urbanised and suburbanised. With more than half the world’s population now living in cities, and that number growing, the mission field is no longer just remote villages or rural outposts—it is apartment blocks, transit hubs, multicultural neighbourhoods, and digital spaces. The nations have come to the cities, and the cities have come to us.
In this new context, Paul’s “all things to all people” becomes a mandate for urban intelligence, cultural humility, and gospel fluency. We are called not only to preach, but to understand; not only to speak, but to listen. To serve in cities is to enter dense complexity—but also rich opportunity. The urban and suburban world is where business, arts, politics, migration, and faith collide. It’s where the gospel must be seen and heard in fresh ways.
Being “all things to all people” means we don’t hold culture at arm’s length—it means we step into it, confident that the gospel can redeem and transform it from the inside out.
So let’s be a church that crosses borders—geographic, generational, and cultural—not for novelty, but for the joy of seeing others find their home in Christ.
Sunday Service | Partakers - MIGRANTS | Sunday 20th July 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
For over two hundred years Australia has been a land of immigration and the trend seems to be continuing. It is important to understand that God doesn’t simply relocate people—He repositions them for renewal. Integration isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about living out of our identity, finding belonging, and accomplishing God’s purpose in a new place. It is fulfilling our calling to faithfully model the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. By Gods design we find ourselves in this location at this point in history. Don’t miss out on another powerful message on Migrants—eye-opening insights and stories that matter!
Kids Church | Sunday 20th July 2025 | School Holiday Break
Kids Church volunteers are having a well-deserved break during the School Holidays.
Please check out the Kids Church table in the foyer opposite the Cafe and pick up some age appropriate activity sheets, colouring in and pencils for your kids.
Help us out by returning all pencils after the service. Many thanks!
Y&Y Service | Sunday 20th July 2025 | 5:30pm
Come join us for the Y & Y Service and FORGE Worship team lead us in worship. Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 20th July | 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 21st July 2025 | 6:00pm
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
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 22nd July | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer. We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park for a time of great fellowship and connection.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Next Alpha Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
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 Pre-Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
The Pre-Marriage Course is a 5-week program designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build a strong biblical foundation for their future together. Key topics such as Communication, Conflict, Commitment, Connection, and Adventure.
Start building your future together with intentionality by signing up today.
- Leaders: Tim & Leola Moore-Coulson
- Cost: $60 per couple, which includes a couple’s guide, coffee or tea, and nibbles
Resilient Man | Event | Saturday 26th July 2025 | 3:00pm
FAMILY RESCUE PRESENTS:
RESILIENT MAN: OVERCOMING THE BATTLES WITHIN
Unmask the Struggle. Embrace the Strength.
Behind every strong man lies a battle no one sees — but it doesn’t have to stay in the dark.
Join us for an unforgettable event designed for men, where we’ll dive deep into the real-life challenges that weigh on your heart and mind — from addiction and anger to shame, grief, and the crushing pressures of modern manhood.
Hear raw, honest stories of struggle and triumph.
Gain powerful tools to build emotional resilience.
Rediscover your identity, purpose, and power.
Connect with a brotherhood that gets it.
This is your moment to rise. To fight smarter. To walk lighter. To lead stronger.
You’re not alone.
Speakers:
- Warren Gomez | Counsellor Family Rescue
- Wyley Hargraves | Retired Counsellor
- Hosted by Melody Durand | Family Rescue
Details:
- Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
- Address: Oakgrove Community Centre, 89-101 Oakgrove Dr, Narre Warren South, Vic, 3805
- Cost: $20.00
- Light refreshments provided
Water Baptism Class | Monday 11th August 2025 | 7:00pm
Writers Group | Saturday 23rd August 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—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 supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, 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 one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
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
