Table of Contents
The Local Church
Wednesday 27th August 2025
What if the most powerful force for transformation in your neighbourhood wasn’t a policy or a program—but you?
In a culture where faith is often seen as private and irrelevant, the Church in Australia stands at a crossroads. But it also holds an incredible opportunity: to become a community that doesn’t just preach the gospel, but embodies it—publicly, practically, and persistently.
The Church’s greatest witness isn’t its words—it’s its people. When followers of Jesus live out the gospel in everyday life with humility, godliness, and love, communities take notice.
As N.T. Wright puts it:
“The message about Jesus is designed to transform lives, not just inform minds.”
This is precisely what 2 Peter 1:3–11 calls us to. Peter writes that God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. But this life doesn’t grow by accident. We are told to make every effort to add to our faith character—goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
“If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…”
(v.8)
These are not private virtues—they’re a public witness. A kind neighbour, a patient co-worker, a trustworthy business owner, a forgiving friend—these are the quiet revolutions that change the tone of a city.
And we know this matters—because Australians are watching.
According to the 2021 McCrindle Faith and Belief Study, 45% of Australians say the most significant influence on them considering faith is seeing people live out a genuine, authentic Christianity. What people want is not louder preaching—they want embodied integrity. The kind of life that matches the message.
That’s where the Church comes in—not just as a preaching platform, but as a formation community—a place where character is shaped and purpose is ignited. A place that sends people out into schools, businesses, hospitals, homes, and sporting clubs to be agents of quiet transformation.
The local Church is a greenhouse for gospel-rooted character. And when believers live out their faith with clarity and compassion, the Church becomes a beacon—not just of truth, but of hope.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.”
 (v.10)
In a post-Christian, often cynical culture, what will stand out isn’t clever arguments—it’s lives of deep resilience and radiant kindness.
So let’s not just go to Church. Let’s be the Church—people who live out the gospel in a way that complements every word we speak.
Because when the Church truly lives what it believes, whole communities are transformed.
Operation Christmas Child
Would you like to bring joy and Jesus to the lives of children? How about 200 children? How about 300 children? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
And you can do it in 6 easy steps!
- Purchase a box at the Desk for $1.00
- Fill the box with the gifts
- Label your box
- Bring the box back by Sunday, 19th October 2025
- Make a $12.50 donation for shipping and gospel materials
- Pray for the child who will receive your box
Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
Any questions? Come to the table set up in the foyer after the service, and the team will be happy to assist and respond to your queries.
Care Visits Team
Our Life Groups at Berwick Church of Christ are the main avenues of love and care for our church community. But not everyone is in a Life Group yet – and sometimes people have needs beyond their Life Group’s capacity. This is where our Care Visits Team steps in to assist. We would love to expand this wonderful team, so if you feel that you have the skills, gifts, and capacity to visit people and offer care, please use the Care Visit Team form or contact Sue Nicholls (suen@bcoc.com.au) to find out more.
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!
Guest Speaker Mark Conner | Sunday 31st August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am​
Improve your relationships, a special Sunday with Mark Conner.
Do you want to strengthen your relationships, connect more deeply with others and reduce conflict?
Join us for an insightful message by guest speaker Mark Conner as he unpacks timeless truth from James 1: 19-20.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires”.
In his message, Mark will share three life-changing skills to help you thrive in your relationships:
- Better Listening: Learn how to hear and understand people around you.
- Controlled Speaking: Discover the power of being intentional with your words.
- Anger Management: Identify healthy ways to manage frustration.
Whether you’re navigating marriage, family, friendships or work relationships, this message is for you.
Seize this incredible chance to strengthen your relationships. Come ready to be encouraged and empowered!
Kids Church | Sunday 31st August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
Day 6 and 7: God made people and then He rested
2 to 4-year-olds | Day 6 and 7: God made people and then He rested | Genesis 1: 24 – 2: 3
5 to 12-year-olds | Joseph | Genesis 37, 39-45
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 31st 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 1st September 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 2nd September | 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.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 10th September 2025 | 1:30pm
To celebrate the new season, we will be focusing on flowers and the joy of Spring.
Join our fancy hat competition and create a floral garden out of your hat to win a prize!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring:Â please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 14th September 2025 | 1:00pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in co-ownership of our Church’s vision, mission, and purpose. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership, and we will discuss how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
Writers Group | Saturday 27th September 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!
Child Dedication | Sunday 19th October 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
“Children are a gift from God; they are His reward” (Psalm 124:3).
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.
If you are interested in your child being dedicated, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form by October 5, and we will be in touch to make arrangements and to explain the details of the service.
For more details, please email sue@bcoc.com.au or phone 0403 822 324.
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
