Friday 14th October 2022

I recently spent time immersing myself in the scriptures and prayer for a few days. The Holy Spirit is such an amazing guide in times like those! One of the highlights was when I interceded for the vision God has given our church:

To be a movement representing Jesus Christ, transforming lives and communities through the power of the gospel.

My heart filled with gratitude as my memory was refreshed by how steadfast and strong our faith community has stood in their faith in spite of all the challenges facing the past couple of years. I could associate strongly with Paul’s statement in his letter to the Thessalonian followers of Christ.

'Your strong faith in the Lord is like a breath of new life. '

1 Thessalonians 3:8 CEV

We live in a time when our faith in Christ has to endure so much! I started to ponder and pray on the following question:

How can we “culture-proof” our people’s faith in this season?

I believe I had one of those Holy Spirit “whispers” that night when I heard in my heart an imperative prompting: TEACH MY PEOPLE THE GOSPEL!

We may have heard the gospel in many ways and at many times. The question is not whether we can recognize The Gospel, but whether we are equipped to preach The Gospel…or not!

' He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. '

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

Having a good grip on what The Gospel is, is vital for our ability to fulfil God’s vision for our church. Since then the pastors spent many hours discussing how we can equip our people better to preach the gospel in whichever ways necessary. We want our people to be able to do that without any sense of shame  – as Paul claimed about himself!

'For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. '

Romans 1:16 NIV

The Gospel’s power lies in the truth that it does not depend on the individual’s moral performance for salvation, but it depends on an individual’s performance for salvation! That individual is Jesus Christ. Therefore…the pressure on you to perform is off!!! Join us for this new series as we teach you The Gospel! It will run from the 16th  of October until the 13th of November.

New Series | The Pressure is off – Experience the release!

Paul said in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

The word Salvation here can mean welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation, salvation, and safety. The gospel has the power to deeply transform our lives but the reach or breadth is not just for Jews, or those who already think of themselves as God’s people, it is for the Gentiles, those currently distant from God.

Pastor Braam in one of his recent times with God, heard God say, “Teach my people the Gospel”

This Gospel series will help you grasp the depth and breadth of the Gospel. It will model for you how you can share this powerful message with others, and it will climax in two key Invite Sundays.

The first Invite Sunday will be a ‘Seeker Sensitive Service’, which will be ideal for anyone curious or just wanting to take a cautious first step.

The final Invite Sunday will be a Power Encounter service looking at the reality of Two Kingdoms – the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light. It will finish with an invitation for anyone to be set free from any dark influence over their life. Most migrants and many young people already have an awareness of the spirit realm, especially evil’s influence. This Sunday will be a demonstration of the Kingdom of God in power.

See where you can partner in helping the Gospel go Deep and Wide!

Baptism | Celebration Highlights

We had the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of Mel, Sean and Peter last Sunday. They all experienced the goodness of God in their lives and were baptised by full immersion just like Jesus did. As a church, we want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Perhaps, you want to follow Jesus and are contemplating if baptism is the next step for you. If you are, then we would like to chat with you. Fill out this form and someone will be in touch. God willing, our next scheduled baptism will be on Sunday, 4 December so register as soon as you can.

FUSE Youth | Friday 14th October

FUSE Youth ARE BACK and pumped because it is MERGE! Get ready for epic games and an awesome service hosted here at Berwick Church of Christ as we join with youth groups from all across the City of Casey!

Important details:

• @BCOC
• @7-9.30pm
• $5 for the night!

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 15th October

Get ready to put on your walking shoes! If you are looking for a social walking group in Clyde, you have found it. We are of all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family and friends. Make new friends, build a support network, have fun, and work on your fitness.

Details:

• Date: Every Saturday, weather permitting. Check the iConnect Facebook page for updates.
• Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
• Address: Casey Fields Playspace car park

>>>iConnect FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 16th October

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | The big picture

Joseph forgives his brothers | Genesis 41-45

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | God keeps His promises

Noah | Genesis 8-9; 17

Sunday Service | The Gospel deep and wide

Join us this Sunday for the beginning of our brand new series, The Gospel. The pressure of religion is off, for the Gospel alone has transformational power to impact every arena of our lives, and to reach every segment of society. 

Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 16th October

Would you like to meet and spend some time with the Pastors and Ministry Directors? If you have not been to a Next Steps lunch, we invite you to join us beginning Sunday 16th October 2022, 12.20-2.30pm. The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 16th, 23rd, and 30th October) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, discover your potential, and take the next steps in your faith journey whilst enjoying a sumptuous meal.

You do need to RSVP before Thursday 13th October. 

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 17th October

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

Connect Course | Tuesday 18th October

Build stronger relationships | Free online 5 weekly sessions.

COURSE OVERVIEW

1. Session 1 – Building real connections
   How to remove the things that hinder connection and how to deepen connections.
2. Session 2 – Developing authentic communication
   How to cultivate open, safe, compassionate communication.
3. Session 3 – Strengthening and restoring relationships
   How to respond well to relationship challenges, and how to rebuild the connection.
4. Session 4 – Renewing from the inside out
   Exploring the foundation of your identity, relationships, and emotional health.
5. Session 5 – Coaching and next steps
   An opportunity to review, to be coached, and to continue to be transformed.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Child Dedication Q&A & Briefing | Sunday 23rd October

Child dedication Q&A and briefing
If you’re interested in Child Dedication, there is a brief Q&A and briefing session.

Please contact the church office to register your interest.

Details:

• Date: Sunday 23rd October 2022
• Time: Directly after the service in room 6
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 26th October

Our Seniors Ministry Major Alan Laurens will lead us in a time of worship and communion together. Let’s lift Jesus high together!

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY DETAILS<<<

Child Dedication Service | Sunday 6th November

Child dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. You place your child into God’s hands and trust that He will guide you in parenting. Essentially, dedicating your child to God is to declare that you will train your child in the ways of the Lord.

Child Dedication is part of our regular service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of the church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we like to display a photo of your child on the monitor so everyone can see.

Register your interest now.

>>>CHILD DEDICATION APPLICATION FORM<<<

GTM 1 | Course

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

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

Watch the trailer on our website.

Details:

Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Date: Tuesday 4th October 2022
Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

For further details, please email [email protected] or phone (03) 9702 1011

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor