Table of Contents
The Importance of Peacemaking as a Good Neighbour
Wednesday 21st August 2024
In our journey to be good neighbours, peacemaking stands as a cornerstone of fostering harmonious and supportive communities. Jesus, in His teachings, places a high value on the role of peacemakers, and contemporary thought further reinforces the transformative power of peace in our relationships and communities.
Biblical Perspective
Jesus, in his “Sermon on the Mount” offers a profound insight into the importance of peacemaking. In Matthew 5:9 (NIV), Jesus declares,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This beatitude underscores that peacemakers are blessed and recognised as true followers of God’s will. Peacemaking is a passive act and is underscored by an active pursuit of resolving conflicts and building bridges.
Romans 12:18 (NIV) provides additional guidance:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul’s exhortation to the Romans emphasizes personal responsibility in striving for peace, recognizing that while not all conflicts can be resolved, the effort to live peaceably should be a continual goal.
Contemporary Insights
Modern literature and studies on peacemaking offer valuable strategies and perspectives. In “The Anatomy of Peace” by the Arbinger Institute, the authors delve into the heart of conflict resolution, advocating for a mindset change that shifts from viewing others as adversaries to seeing them as people with legitimate needs and concerns. This book highlights that peace begins with an internal transformation that influences our interactions and relationships. By being present and fully engaged in the moment, we can approach conflicts with a calm and clear mind, making it easier to listen, understand, and resolve issues amicably.
Practical Application
To be effective peacemakers, we need to cultivate empathy and active listening. When conflicts arise with neighbours, approach the situation with a willingness to understand their perspective and commit to finding a mutually beneficial resolution. This approach can diffuse tension and pave the way for lasting peace.
Engage in community activities that promote unity and understanding. Hosting or participating in neighbourhood gatherings, dialogue circles, or collaborative projects can help build relationships and prevent conflicts from arising.
In daily interactions, practice forgiveness and let go of minor grievances. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) advises,
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This mindset fosters a peaceful and loving community environment.
In conclusion, peacemaking is integral to being a good neighbour. Rooted in biblical teachings and confirmed by contemporary insights, the pursuit of peace strengthens our communities and reflects the love and compassion of Christ. By actively seeking to resolve conflicts and build harmonious relationships, we embody the true spirit of a peacemaker and contribute to a more peaceful world.
Serve Your City | Volunteering Opportunities
At Berwick Church of Christ, we encourage everyone to Follow Christ, Love People, Serve their City, and Grow Faith Communities. We want to invite you to prayerfully consider serving your city in one of the following three ways. We look forward to helping you go and be His presence in these places.
Do you have a heart for refugees? We are looking for mentors to support eligible people from a refugee background through the COACH Community Mentoring Program located in the Dandenong/Casey region.
What is COACH Mentoring?
Coach Mentoring assists refugees who are seeking to become economically independent.
Each mentee’s goals are identified before being matched with a suitable mentor.
Typically, mentors and mentee’s meet once a week, for an hour and this relationship would continues for a period of 12 months.
Mentors are allocated a COACH Coordinator as a contact point to support them throughout this mentoring relationship.
Our mentoring program suits people with a heart to come alongside and support refugees as they settle in Melbourne. Mentors undergo training and screening checks, before being matched with a participant. The purpose of the mentoring relationship is to be a “friend with purpose”, to support them as they work towards achieving their identified goals, such as education, employment and making community connections.
If you have questions, or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to send an email to refugees@coachnetwork.org with your contact details.
As a Kids COACH Mentor, you can help children learn positive social skills, have fun, reach their goals, and build resilience. Come alongside a child at school to offer practical help and be a positive role model for one hour a week, for a minimum of 12 months. This opportunity is in partnership with Crossway South East, with an initial commitment of one day of in-person training and an online module. (10 volunteers for Term 3, 2024).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Would you like to empower primary-aged students to implement positive change in their lives? As a REBOOT program volunteer, you can help upper primary school students (grades 5 and 6) learn about wellbeing through fun games and activities during lunchtime. The wellbeing topics covered are Self-Esteem, Perceived Control, Optimism, Personal Relationships, and Achieving in Life, which are delivered in an actionable format. (5 volunteers for Term 1, 2025 training to be confirmed).
For more information, contact Ps Mat Daniels. Email: mdaniels@bcoc.com.au or phone (03) 9702 1011.
Graeme Cann Book Launch | Thursday 22nd August | 1:00 pm
Graeme and Julia have worked together to develop Graeme’s seventh published book. “WALKING in the LIGHT at MIDNIGHT” weaves together the experiences and words of biblical figures such as David and Job and the stories of six people who, between them, have experienced physical, mental and psychological pain. Come along for a great time where we will hear Graeme talk about his latest book.
- Date: Thursday 22nd August 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Cost: Free
- Light refreshments provided
Graeme’s book can be purchased by bank transfer or cash. $20 hardback or $15 paperback.
Sunday Service | 25th August | Peacemaking | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
We continue our churchwide series called the “Art of Neighbouring” where we will unpack the second half of the Great Commandment, “Love your neighbour”. Join us as we dive deep into what it looks like to transform the world by simply becoming a good neighbour.
Kids Church | Sunday 25th August | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | God loves me | John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10
5 to 12-year-olds | Don’t stop growing in wisdom – Renew your mind | Romans 12:2
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 25th August | 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 26th August | 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
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 27th August | 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 Tuesdays 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 28th August | 1:30 pm
Join us for a communion service led by Pastors Graeme Cann and Ian Edwards.
Writers Group | Saturday 7th September | 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!
Partners Gathering | Sunday 8th September | 1:00 pm
Partners Gatherings are a significant time for us to connect, celebrate, build stronger relationships and to pray together.
We’ve got a great program planned; from inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.
Y&Y Service | Chester Cameron | Sunday 15th September | 5:30 pm
Chester is an everyday lover of Jesus. He once was lost. Now he is found. He once was hopeless, nameless, broken, and rebellious. Now he is not. How? Jesus… Just Jesus.
Chester grew up in Berwick Church of Christ, where he first met God – the One who created him, and where he first said “yes” to following Him. Since then, through highs and lows, Chester has continued to simply say “yes” to God. His willing and obedient heart to follow God has taken him to study paramedicine in Bendigo, share the Gospel across the globe and across the street, and now brings him back to BCOC to speak at Y&Y.
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Commencing Tuesday 17th September 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
Alpha Course | Commencing Wednesday 18th September 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.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 8th October 2024 | 7:00 pm
GTM 2 is aimed at developing levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is available for those who have completed GTM 1.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Growing To Maturity (GTM 3) Course | Commencing Tuesday 8th October 2024 | 7:00 pm
GTM 3 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience. GTM 3 includes a powerful weekend retreat with God! Please note, GTM 3 is only available for participants who have completed GTM 1 & GTM 2.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
Weekly inspiring audio talks - Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
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
